From left: Joe Catalano, a friend, Joe's sister, John Olesky

Joe Catalano passes away

One of the disadvantages of being an octogenarian is that you have to deal with too many former BJ co-workers pass away.

Like Harry Liggett, whose time with me began with crazy, inspirational Pat Englehart on the State Desk.

Joe Catalano with Tim Hayes at Papa Joe's

And reporter Pete Geiger, who died 10 days after Paula and I had lunch with him and wife Sandy in Leesburg, Florida.

And Don Bandy, Terry Dray and Dave White, who shared memories and laughs with me on Siesta Key, Florida.

And Cal DeShong, who provided myriads of BJ employee lists over the years that helped Harry and me when we wrote about BJ Alums on this blog. And Terry Dray, who never met a golf course he couldn't conquer.

Joe Catalano, Marvin Hunt

And now, composing retiree Joe Catalano, whose memories meld into friendship and food, which I sampled regularly from the family’s cart at Falls events on Front Street. And the second Monday of each month when BJ retirees gathered at Papa Joe’s in the Merriman Valley to agree that the Beacon had gone to Hell in a handbaskets since our departures.

Joe’s obituary:

Joseph A. Catalano, 85, passed away Feb. 10, 2015.

Joe was born in Akron to the late Sam and Anna (Fazzino) Catalano and lived in the North Hill area all of his life. He was a graduate of Hower High School. Joe was a faithful member of Christ the King Church for 50 years and most recently St. Anthony Church. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus, Council #3529 for 22 years.

He worked at the Akron Beacon Journal for 30 years until his retirement in 1989.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His greatest pleasure was having the family and adopted "nieces and nephews" together. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, traveling, casinos and playing cards. Joe was well known for his many card tricks.

Along with his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife, Anna Mae, in 2010; granddaughter, Erica Catalano; brothers, Tony, Sam, Paul and Angelo Catalano; and son-in-law, Stanley Gmerek. He is survived by his children, Cheryl Catalano, Maria Gmerek, Michael (Tetyana) Catalano, Joseph (Tina) Catalano, Tina (John) Goodson; grandchildren, Jacob (Theresa), Joshua (Alicia), Jason (Alex), Matthew, Julia, Brianna, John Taylor, Geno, Natalie, Gia, Nicole, Joanna, Julia and Jillian; brothers, Frank and Pete (Patsy) Catalano; and many other loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 83 Mosser Place, Akron. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hennessy-Bagnoli-Moore Funeral Home, 936 N. Main St., Akron (corner of N. Main and Mildred). Joseph's final resting place will be Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus, Council #3529. You are invited to hbm-fh.com to view Joe's tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.