Obituary - Joseph F. Catanzaro

Joseph F. Catanzaro, of Oakmont, passed away on Saturday September 29, 2012, at the age of 82.

Joseph was the beloved husband of Rose (Martucci) Catanzaro for over 55 years; wonderful father of Joseph Catanzaro Jr. (Jean) and Annette Catanzaro Badali (James); survived by sister Joeen Catanzaro; brother Frank Catanzaro Jr. of Oakmont; sister-in-laws Mary Martucci and Marie Hoey of South Bend, IN and brother-in-law Hal Kendall of Houston, TX; proud grandfather of Kristina and Amanda Badali. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Joseph was the son of the late Frank and Jean Catanzaro, brother of the late John Catanzaro and Emanuella Catanzaro Singhouse and brother-in-law of the late Anna Marie (Hofrichter) Catanzaro, Marie (Gregg) Catanzaro, and Lee (Martucci) Kendall.

Joseph was a lifelong resident of Oakmont. He served in the Army National Guard for three years. On May 25, 1957 he married Rose Martucci and just celebrated their 55th anniversary this past May. He was a member of St. Irenaeus Catholic Parish (Oakmont) for over 70 years, serving as an altar boy from the time he was very young up until he was married. He was also a member of the St Irenaeus Choir for over 50 years. Joseph was part of St Joeseph's (Verona) Catholic Parish for five years.

In his life he performed at many weddings, banquets, funerals and various community functions, member of the Pittsburgh Opera Chorus for 20 years and a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists for over 50 years. Joseph was an established wholesale produce broker. Working until the age of 82. He owned and operated his own fruit and vegetable market for over 38 years, the last 30 located at the top of Coxcomb Hill, in New Kensington (“Happy Are Those Who Shop At Joes”) where he was fondly know as “The Savior On The Hill”. He was featured in WQED’s “The Strip Show” in December 1996.

Friends and family will be received from 2:00-8:00 pm on Monday, Oct 1, 2012 at English Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 378 Maryland Avenue, Oakmont PA, 15139. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, Oct 2, 2012 in St Irenaeus Church at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Allegheny Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to The American Heart Association, Little Sisters of the Poor or St Irenaeus Church.