Catalino Figueroa Torres, age 85, went to be with Our Lord after a brief illness on June 16, 2017 at The Bostonian Care & Rehab in Dorchester, MA.
Catalino is survived by his wife of 57 years, Josefa Figueroa Diaz of Boston, MA and his 6 children: Nilsa Carrasquillo of Rockland, MA; Charles Figueroa & wife Frances of Orlando, FL; Jaime Figueroa & wife Liliana of Quincy, MA; Teresa Figueroa of Boston, MA; David Figueroa & wife Zenaida of Brockton, MA and Nancy Sedlacek & husband Paul of Stafford Springs, CT. Catalino is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Dennis Carrasquillo, Lindsey Carrasquillo, Stuart Figueroa, Allison Figueroa, Kevin Figueroa, Leslie Ann Roman, Christopher Figueroa, Jazzlyn Figueroa, Emily Borgos and countless nieces and nephews.
Catalino was born on November 25, 1931 in Orocovis, Puerto Rico to parents Angel Figueroa and Ursula Figueroa-Torres. As a young family man endeavoring to better his life, Catalino moved to Boston, MA in 1965 where he settled and gained employment in the manufacturing industry. A year later in 1966, Catalino sent for his wife and four young children to join him in residence in Boston. During the late 1960’s through 1970’s, Catalino had a notable career within the Boston Latino human rights movement supported by his employer, the Human Rights Division of the City of Boston. During this period, Catalino was also Director of a grassroots human rights agency, The Hispanic Movement in Action where he and his staff advocated on behalf of their Latino constituents on housing and human rights issues. Catalino was highly regarded and loved equally among the Latino community and Boston city officials for his tireless hard work and devotion to those less fortunate. In later years, Catalino became a small business owner in Dorchester, MA and finally retired after 10 years of service from the Boston Housing Authority in 1997. Post retirement, Catalino moved back to Puerto Rico and finding a niche in their market, he remained active by manufacturing and distributing custom-made car spoilers to dealers across the island. His final 8 years of life were spent back in his beloved Boston where he pursued excellent medical care during his twilight years.
For leisure, Catalino enjoyed visiting with friends, exploring the cities and towns of New England and he especially enjoyed salt water fishing during all seasons where he often harvested fresh fish for his family’s Sunday meals. In his younger days, Catalino loved spending time with his nieces and nephews and playing practical jokes on them. He was a self-taught guitar player which he truly enjoyed. He also taught Sunday school and was President of the Men’s Group at various churches.
Catalino’s legacy is that of a good-humored, loving and supportive family man, a friend to many and a respected church member at the Ark of Refuge Church where he attended faithfully. He was known as a highly sociable, dependable, kind and active man who shared smiles and light-hearted conversations with all. Catalino will be deeply missed for all these reasons and more.
Visiting hours will be held at the Casper Funeral Home, 187 Dorchester Street, SOUTH BOSTON on Wednesday from 5 to 8 PM. Interment Services are private.