John M. Cataldo

Faith, hope and love. These three virtues are what guided John M. Cataldo Sr. each day of his life until his last on November 8, 2013 when he died at Lahey Clinic surrounded by those whom he loved. He was 90.

On June 6, 1923 he was born in Boston to Italian immigrants Enrico and Michelina (DiNapoli) Cataldo and was raised in the city's much loved Italian neighborhood, The North End. He attended St. Mary's School in the North End and graduated from Boston College High School. His Jesuit education inspired further studies at Boston College where he earned his Bachelor's degree with the Class of 1944. His schooling, like so many other young men his age and in that era, was accelerated to help serve his country honorably with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.

On April 20, 1953 he married Gloria J. Barbuto in Saint Mary's Church in the North End. They lived many years in Weston before moving to Waltham in 1994. They also maintain a home in Boca Raton, Florida. He was a communicant at Saint Julia Parish in Weston and Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted in Waltham.

Entrepreneurial in mind and spirit, John owned and operated various companies. He served as Chairman of the Board of his family-owned and operated company, Materials Development Corporation in Medford and was still working at the time of his death. For John, it wasn't work. He continued learning, reading and keeping up to par on industry related innovations and technologies, stock markets, investments and news.

Mindful of his many blessings, John gave back to his community and church. He served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and many non-profit organizations throughout his lifetime. Most notably, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts State Colleges by Governor Volpe, and was elected Chairman during the late 1960's and 1970's. For his distinguished service, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Administration degree from Worcester State College. In 1978 he joined the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, Boston College, through 1994.

He was active in many Catholic organizations, such as the Catholic Charities and Guidance Center of Boston Board of Directors. He became Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Ausonia Council #1513 in the North End, attaining a 4th degree status. He was elected State Deputy for the Massachusetts Council Knights of Columbus in 1966.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Anthony Cataldo and his sister Phyllis Simonelli.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, Gloria, he leaves his children, Carla C. Cataldo and her husband, Jeffrey Ritter, of Medway, John M. Cataldo Jr. of Howell, New Jersey, Christopher E. Cataldo of Woburn and Marc D. Cataldo and his wife, Carolyn, of Wakefield; his grandchildren, Erica and Michael Ritter, Jack, Jessica, Julia, Joseph, Jianna, Caitlin, Olivia and Megan Cataldo; and many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember John's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, November 15th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Julia's Church, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to The Enrico Cataldo Scholarship Fund, in c/o Boston College, Office of University Advancement, Cadigan Alumni Center, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.