October 19, 2011
Raymond C. Catania of Cornwall, entered into rest Sunday, October 16, 2011 at Orange Regional Medical Center. He was 91. Son of the late Joseph and Maria (LaRocca) Catania, he was born May 16, 1920 in Newburgh.
Ray lived all his life in Orange County, NY, except for honorably serving our country in the US Army Air Force for four and a half years during World War II. After graduating from Newburgh Free Academy he attended Flight Training School in Muskogee, OK. Together with his brother, Joseph they formed Catania Bros. Foods, Inc. in Newburgh and operated the business for many years together. As a community-minded person, Ray served with several organizations including serving as Fire Commissioner for Winona Lake Engine Co., President for Winona Lake Engine Co., President of Newburgh Lions Club, member of the Town of Newburgh ZBA Board, member of the Board of Managers for St. Luke's Hospital, Director for the Powelton Club of Newburgh, member of the Town of Newburgh Planning Board, Chairman of the Town of Hamptonburgh Planning Board, and served as a Councilman for 12 years for the Town of Hamptonburgh.
Realizing his childhood dream, in retirement Ray and his beloved wife, Evelyn owned and operated Catania Farms in Hamptonburgh raising standard bred horses from 1981 until 1994. Ray was a devoted husband, father and grandfather to his family all his adult life, and he will be greatly missed for his strength, guidance and abiding love for his family.
Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Evelyn at home; his children, Patricia Pizzo and her husband, John of Newburgh, Raymond Catania Jr. and his wife, Galina of Newburgh, Christine Johnston and her husband, William of Montgomery, John Catania and his wife, Linda of Colorado, and Carol Maria Catania of Cornwall; his grandchildren, Louise Pizzo and her fianc, John Channell, Raymond Pizzo and his wife, Jennifer, John Pizzo Jr. and Kevin Johnston and his wife, Erica; step-grandchildren, Kim O'Toole and Adam Cohen; step great-grandchildren, Brendan O'Toole and Kayley O'Toole; sisters, Violet Hughes and Gloria McMullen; and brother, Joseph Catania. He was predeceased by his grandson, Anthony Pizzo.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 20 in Sacred Heart Church, Newburgh. Entombment will follow in Cedar Hill Mausoleum, Newburgh.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions on Ray's behalf may be sent to AHRC, 249 Broadway, Newburgh, NY 12550; Special Olympics Hudson Valley Region, 1207 Rt. 9, Suite 1C, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590; or Winona Lake Engine Co., 104 S. Plank Rd., Newburgh, NY 12550.
To send a personal condolence or for directions to the funeral home, please visit Brooksfh.com.
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