Vincent “Vince” Edward Catalano, age 78, passed away May 23, 2024, at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida. Born December 30, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the fourth child of the late Vincent P. and Catharine (Winter) Catalano, Vince grew up in the Pittsburgh area with his brothers, Phillip and William, and sister, Silvia, all who have predeceased him.

Vince entered military service for his country in 1966 enlisting in the United States Navy, Naval Air Reserves (Vietnam), serving as an ATR3 with four years of active duty as a radar operator searching for submarines, and two years inactive duty at Norfolk Airbase. He was in business with his brother, Bill, in the 1970’s. He is also a retired Pennsylvania steel worker.

Anyone who knew Vince came to appreciate his abrupt opinions and sarcastically candid humor; he was truly just a teddy bear at heart. He eagerly engaged in conversation with anyone and everyone, quickly forging a friendship; there was usually no doubt where one stood with Vince. He loved fishing and boating, especially once he and Patty moved to Florida, and he leaves behind many fishing buddies in his Leesburg neighborhood. Vince loved anything to do with food; he “liked to cook and liked to eat”. Even though separated by miles, friends and family were important to Vince, and Patty’s distant family always looked forward to Vince’s candor and comedy at the family reunion.

Vince is survived by his wife, Patty Sue (Crawford) Farrell Catalano; a daughter, Dawn Marie Ericsson (Ryan), a son, Vincent E. Catalano, Jr. (Annie), and a stepson, Lance W. Farrell (Wendi); four grandchildren: Lily and Vivian Ericsson and Carter and Lila Catalano; two step-grandsons: Ashton and Ryan Farrell.

Patty is eternally grateful to the doctors and staff at the VA Medical Center for their respectful care of Vince. Words can hardly express her thankfulness to Leesburg friends and neighbors who helped with day-to-day details, the thoughts and prayers of her large extended family, and especially to Fisher House for their support of veterans’ families.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 6, 2024, at 1pm at the Oak Room Bar and Grill, 11220 SW 69th Circle, Ocala, FL 34476. Vince will be laid to rest in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area at a date soon to be announced. In lieu of flowers the family would suggest donations be made to The Gainesville Fisher House Foundation, 5106 Northwest 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32605. (Fisher House is a foundation supported by donations only and provides no-cost housing to veterans’ families so they may be near their loved one receiving treatment at a VA facility.)