Final Salute

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Joseph Anthony Catala Sr., 95, of Wallingford, died peacefully at home on Oct. 15, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Jean Catala of 73 years.

He was born in New Haven, a son of the late Anthony and Raffaella (Pagano) Catala. Joe previously co-owned a barbershop alongside his brother Gene and went on to work at Allegheny Ludlum Steel. Before retirement, he worked many years at Wallingford Country Club.

He was the father of Joseph Catala Jr., James Catala (Mary), Sandra Mezei (William), Renee Jerzyk (Jeff), Mark Catala (Shellie), Steven Catala (Lisa), and Lynn Keyes (Kevin). He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, William Mezei Jr. (Crystal), Rachel DiPietro (Ryan), Christy Catala, Joseph Mezei, Chelsea Ellis (Derek), Kelly Jerzyk, Alyssa Catala, Elizabeth Jerzyk, Alexandra Curtis (Keenan), Charles Catala (Kim), Shayne Catala, Cassandra Bjornberg (Michael), Kevin Keyes Jr. (Laura), and Kerri Catala; and nine loving great grandchildren. He also leaves behind a sister, Maria D’Aniello and a brother, Eugene Catala (Janet); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first-born son, Anthony Catala; and his sister, Dolores Johnson.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose legacy is his family. He was a Veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy Seabees. He had great pride for his country and was an active member of the Antique Veterans Honor Guard.

Joe took pride in landscaping his beautiful lawn.

An avid sportsman, he was active in the Senior Olympics into his early 90s, and enjoyed coaching many of his grandchildren’s teams, as well as swimming, playing softball, skiing, fishing, hunting, running, track and field, skydiving and traveling.

His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., on Friday, Oct 21, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. directly at Church of the Resurrection. Interment with military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery in Wallingford.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.