Charlton,MA/Venice, FLA.
Professor John N. "Chi-Chi" Katori, 79, of 97A Baker Pond Rd., passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at his home in Venice, FLA.
John leaves his wife of 41 years, Barbara E. (Woitusch) Katori, one son, Kevin C. Katori and his wife Jennifer of Blackstone, one daughter, Kristina L. Katori of Oakland, ME., one sister, Sophie Kattori of Webster, several in-laws, nieces and nephews, many colleagues, and numerous friends.
He was born in Dudley, a son of Spiro and Laura (Petri) Katori. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by 2 brothers, James and George, and 2 sisters, Helen Petrelli and Viola Hultquist.
John was a 1949 graduate of Bartlett High School, he was an Army veteran and served from 1949 to 1953 and was a sergeant stationed in Trieste, Italy.
He then received an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Nichols Jr. College in 1955, earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Clark University in 1957, a Master’s Degree in Education from Worcester State in 1961 and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 1966. He also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration in 2000.
John was Professor of Accounting at Nichols College from September 1, 1958 until his retirement on June 1, 2000, and was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus.
From 1961 to 1962 he was the Men’s Varsity Basketball coach at Nichols. He also was an instructor at Quinebaug Community College.
John was a co -founder of the Bartlett High School Hall of Fame and was instrumental in the planning of many class reunions at Bartlett and Nichols.
Whether he was in the grocery store or on vacation, he always ran into someone who knew him.
He was generous to a fault, and would do anything for anyone, regardless of how large or small the request. He was a passionate sports fan and followed the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots. He also enjoyed collegiate, high school, and inter-scholastic events.
He enjoyed traveling the world, learning new things, listening to Big Band and German music, living life to the fullest, and sharing his experiences and knowledge with everyone he met. He was a great educator and the true definition of a professor.
Although John had many professional and personal accomplishments, what he was most proud of was his love of his family and friends. He will be missed by many.
Calling Hours for John will be Wednesday, December 29, 2010 from 4 to 8PM at the Robert J. Miller Funeral Home and Lake Chapel, 366 School St.,Webster.
Burial will be private in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Webster.
A Memorial Service for Professor Katori will be Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 12 (Noon) at the Auditorium at Nichols College on Center Rd. in Dudley.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: The John N. Katori Scholarship Fund at Nichols College, 123 Center Rd., Dudley, MA 01571
On Line Guest Book and Directions: RJMillerfunerals.net
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