Robert R. Catalano, 101, of Franklin, died on February 12, 2024 surrounded by his family in the home he has lived in for his entire life.
Born on October 28, 1922 the youngest son of Fortunato and Pasqualina (Grosso) Catalano, Robert was a lifelong Franklin resident, besides his time in the South Pacific during World War II.
He was a graduate of Franklin High School Class of 1940. He worked as a welder at the Quincy Shipyard after graduation and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was sent to the Pacific Theater as an Underwater Welding Specialist. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theater Metal, the Asiatic-Pacific Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal and the Unit #2205 Commendation.
He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946. When he returned from the War, he took advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled at Boston College in their Business Program.
Mr. Catalano was a proud graduate of Boston College Class of 1950, and went on to work in the Human Resources department at General Motors for 38 years, from 1953 to 1991.
Bob has been a lifelong communicant of St. Mary’s Parish in Franklin, where he served as the Head Usher for 40 years, finally retiring at age 97.
Bob is a proud Lifetime member of the Franklin V.F.W. Post 3402, the Franklin American Legion Post 75, and is a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus.
Bob is a former two term Town Councilor, he also served on the Franklin Public Library Committee, and the Historical Committee. He was also a founding member of the Franklin Beatification Committee.
He is survived by his nephew Francis A. Molla and his wife Paula. His niece Donna (Cataldo) Taft and her husband Jim, his niece Susan (Catalano) Berardi, his niece Shirley (Catalano) Pendleton. He was predeceased by his nephew Peter Catalano, his nephew Henry Cataldo II, and his niece Ann Marie Cataldo. He is also survived by his grand nephew Paul Molla and his wife Christine and their three daughters, his grand niece Beth (Molla) Kennedy and her husband Peter and their two sons. He is also survived by many more grand nieces and nephews. He was also survived by Paula’s daughter Leah and her husband Adam.
He was the brother of the late John Catalano, Anthony Catalano, Mary Molla, Atilio Catalano, and Virginia Cataldo.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Tuesday February 20th at 9AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square Franklin at 10AM.
Interment with military honors will follow at the parish cemetery.
Calling hours are Monday February 19th from 4-7PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Random Smile Project P.O. Box 13 Franklin, MA 02038 or Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council 1847 P.O. Box 465 Franklin, MA 02038.
Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com