Obituary of F. Paul Cataldo

F. Paul Cataldo Sr. F. Paul Cataldo, Sr., 91, of Rome, passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at his home in Rome with his loving family by his side. Paul was born in Rome, NY on March 6, 1921 son of Peter and Celia Troia Cataldo. He graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1939. Paul proudly served his country during World War II as a T/Sgt in the United States Army Air Corp as a Top Turret Gunner on the B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft. Based in Europe, Paul was the recipient of the Bronze Star, with three oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct Medal, 1 Overseas Bar, European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with one Bronze Star. Upon completion of his missions, a special honor was bestowed upon Paul as he was the first Roman to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was united in Holy Matrimony on Feb. 1, 1942 at St. John the Baptist Church to Mildred E. Fabrizio; a loving union lasting until her passing on July 10, 1979. A proud businessman in the community, Paul was co-owner and served as Vice President/Treasurer of Cataldo Bros & Sons, Inc. Established in 1914 by his father Peter and uncle Joseph, the company served as a local producer/supplier of masonry products andbuilding supplies for many construction projects in Rome and throughout central New York. During his career Paul served as President of The New York State Concrete Masonry Association. His social and civic associations included the former Acme Club, Toccolana Club and a life member of the Optimist Club. After his retirement, Paul greatly enjoyed his time fishing in special water holes, rooting for his New York Yankees and most especially finding any time to enjoy a round of golf even as he achieved the age of 90. He was blessed through his latter years with the special companionship of his "girl" Amelia Durant. Her family lovingly included him as part of them as he considered them his second family. Paul had many special friends he cherished both in New York and Florida. Surviving are his beloved son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Linda Cataldo of Myrtle Beach, SC; beloved daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Jim DiCastro, Blossvale, NY; cherished grandsons, of whom he was so proud, Chip and Eric Cataldo; sister-in-law Ann Brooks of Syracuse; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his wife Mildred, Paul was predeceased by a beloved son , Peter Charles; as well as a sister Frances and her husband Tony Bush; a brother Angelo P. and his wife Rita Cataldo; and a special cousin Angelo M. and his wife Lorraine Cataldo. The family would like to give special thanks to the many physicians, nurses and caregivers through the years that allowed Paul to live a long, fruitful life. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at St. John the Baptist Church at 9:00 a.m. with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W. Court St. on Friday from 4-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Church Memorial Fund in Paul's memory.