Joseph A. Catanzarite

Joseph A. Catanzarite, 91, of Mishawaka, passed away Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Sanctuary at St. Paul’s.

Joe was born January 21, 1930 in Mishawaka, to the late Antonio and Anna (Trimboli) Catanzarite. He grew up in Mishawaka and was a1948 graduate of Mishawaka High School. He served his country in the US Army from 1951 – 1953.

Joe married Mary R. Zappia on June 19, 1954 in St. Monica Catholic Church, Mishawaka.  True partners in all things, Joe and Mary made Mishawaka their home for 59 years.

Joe was employed for 49 years at Uniroyal, retiring in 1997. He was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church and formerly belonged to St. Bavo. Joe was a member of the DiLoreto Society and coached baseball for Southwest Little League. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, hosting Sunday family dinners and tailgating at Notre Dame with family and friends.

Left to cherish Joe’s memory are sons Tony (Dolores) and Pat (Nancy) of South Bend and Frank (Jill) of Sidney, Ohio.  He was the greatest “Papu” to Christina (Christopher) Lovely and their daughter Ellie; Mary (Josh) Martin and sons Tyler and Cameron; Joe (Katie) Catanzarite and children Cecilia, Rocco and Malia; George (Holly) Catanzarite and son Nico; Anna (Josh) Hackett and daughters Sawyer and Mia; Nick, Patrick “Dugan”, Kaitlyn, Rocco and Jim (Morgan) Catanzarite; two brothers, Frank (Kay) Catanzarite, and Ross Catanzarite; one sister Bette Piraccini; sisters-in-law, Sara Zappia and Pam (Sherm) Deal; brother-in-law Frank (Thelma) Zappia; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Mary in 2014; and two great grandsons, Roger and Guy Martin.

Joe was the quiet, gentle patriarch who led by example, shared his wisdom and advice, expressed his love, devotion, and pride to his children and grandchildren every day of their lives.  Having lived the last year isolated by the Pandemic, Joe never complained and remained positive until he was able to be with his family once again on Easter Sunday. He spent that glorious day surrounded by many of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was perfect in every way, and it was as if Joe had never missed a single moment with them.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Wednesday, April 14, in St. Monica Catholic Church 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Rev. Andrew Budzinski and Rev. Jacob Meyer officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery with Military Honors by VFW 360/American Legion 161 Burial Squad.

Visitation will be from 4 – 7 pm Tuesday in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home; 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, and from 9:30 – 10:30 am Wednesday in church.

Memorials are suggested to Center for Hospice Care or Marian High School Student Union Capital Project.