John Catanese

Catanese, John, 90, of Seward,  passed away April 30, 2021 at Martin Health Center in Bloomington, Illinois surrounded by his family.  John was visiting with family when his health rapidly declined.A lifelong resident of Seward, Pennsylvania he was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio & Katarina (Guaetta) Catanese, his wife Patricia, brothers Anthony, Domenick, Joseph and Philip Catanese.  Survived by his loving son John (Geralyn) Catanese of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and his loving daughter Tracy (Dr. John) Burr of Bloomington, Illinois, grandchildren Daniel (Kayla) Burr of Peoria, Illinois and Katherine Burr (Dr. Zane He) of Columbia, Missouri, great grandchildren Anna, Felicity, Eliza and Josephine Burr of Peoria, Illinois and brother Santo (Connie) Catanese of Seward.  Good friend and companion of Jerri Federinko, Indiana, Pennsylvania.  After graduation from Johnstown High School in 1949,  John attended DeForrest Institute of Technology in Chicago and received an electronics degree.   He enlisted in the US Army in 1952 and served as Electronics School Instructor at Fort Knox and in the Military Police 571 in Yokohama, Japan.  John was honorably discharged June 1955 with the rank of Corporal. He worked for Westinghouse Electric, Blairsville for 32 years where he developed 7 patents, 3 trade secrets and received 2 quality signature awards.  John was a life long member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Seward; a lifetime member of the Seward Volunteer Fire Company;  a former lifetime member of the Sandy Bottom Sportmens Club.  John was a past Council President of the Borough of Seward, instrumental in the planning, development and building of the Seward Community Center.   Past Vice President of the Sewage Authority.  A Ham Radio Operator who operated under the call letters W3WHR for over 50 years.  A talented wood carver.    An avid walker.  A man of few words and many good deeds who will be remembered by all who loved him.   John lived independently, actively carving and doing projects up until a few weeks before his death. At John’s request there will be no visitation.   Mass of Christian Burial Monday, May 10, 2021 at 10:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, Seward.  Please meet at the church.    Due to Covid restrictions masks must be worn and social distancing must be maintained.  Private Interment at Armagh Cemetery.The Jon A. Meese Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to Holy Family Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.  

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