FREDERICK P. "FRED" CATONA

FREDERICK P. "FRED" CATONA obituary, Blue Bell, PA

FREDERICK P. "FRED" CATONA

FREDERICK CATONA Obituary

Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News on Jun. 5, 2016.
CATONA


FREDERICK P. "FRED", of Blue Bell, died suddenly on May 31, 2016, at the age of 70. Beloved husband of Linda M. Gaglione, loving father of Christopher, Matthew and Andrew Catona. Cherished grandfather of Chance, Tristan and Alexandra Catona, also devoted brother of Anthony, Gary and the late Jack Catona. After graduating from East Stroudsburg University, Fred became Athletic Director at Solomon Schechter Day School and Akiba Hebrew Academy in Radnor, PA. and served for twelve years during which time he became a much loved, award-winning teacher and successful coach. He was inducted into the Akiba Athletic Hall of Fame in May, 2015. Following his teaching career, Fred created "A Taste of Philadelphia". His mail order hoagies won several "Best of Philly" awards, and appeared in many radio, TV and newspaper media including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Entrepreneur Magazine. In 1993, Fred founded Radio Direct Response, the first advertising agency to focus solely on radio. His advertising campaign to launch "priceline.com" using William Shatner as its spokesperson broke all records, achieving 2.2 million responses in just 14 days. He founded his second direct response agency, Bulldozer Digital in 2009. Fred was a frequent keynote speaker at many business and entrepreneurial conferences nationally. He was a Big Brother volunteer for 20 years, and was recently appointed to the board of New Leash on Life. Fred was an extraordinary person who will be missed by many. Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation on Tuesday, June 7th from 9:00-10:45 A.m. followed by his Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. at St Helena Church, Yost Rd. and Rt. 202, Blue Bell, PA. 19422. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, contributions to either Big Brother Big Sister Independence Region, 123 S. Broad St., Suite 1050, Philadelphia, PA. (online at www.bbbssepa.org) Or to New Leash on Life at www.newleashonlife-usa.org would be appreciated.

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May 30, 2022

Caroline Catona posted to the memorial.

May 30, 2017

Caroline Catona posted to the memorial.

July 16, 2016

Gregory Olinyk posted to the memorial.

Caroline Catona

May 30, 2022

I can't believe it's 6 years already. You are missed and remembered Uncle Freddy

Caroline Catona

May 30, 2017

I can't believe a year has already passed. I say "hello" every day to him. I know he's in a great place with his brother and parents. I am thinking of Linda and my cousins who bear the greatest loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you always but especially now 1 year anniversary.

Gregory Olinyk

July 16, 2016

I am crushed to learn of Fred's passing and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. Fred and were to start working on my pharmaceutical concierge venture later this year. If you believe that the true definition of "genius" is the ability to make the complex simple, not vice versa, then Fred was a true genius. A very nice man who was so patient with my myriad questions. I hope Bull Dozer Digital thrives. In a cutthroat world, Fred was one of the true good guys. If anyone from Bull Dozer reads this please call me 203-912-5325.

Pamela Whynot

June 10, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I saw Fred speak just a few months ago at a business conference. He was full of life, inspiring, humble, and I will never forget his message. His zest for life will stay with me always and I am so grateful to have known him, even just ever so briefly. My deepest condolences to you.

Zita Munro

June 8, 2016

My deepest condolences to the Catona Family on your loss. I only just heard yesterday on the tennis courts at Plymouth Swim Club, where I met Fred. I had only known him for 2-3 years, but I admired his happy spirit and positive attitude. I didn't know much about his personal life, but knew instinctively that he was loved by all who knew him. I feel lucky to have known him for the briefest of time and wish you peace as you continue to process the loss of your loved one.

Joe Mastriana

June 8, 2016

We are so sad to hear this news. We are truly sorry for your loss But, Fred always had a way to put a smile on your face with his jokes, stories and incredible laugh. Fred will be missed, but the memories will keep us smiling.

Our Deepest & Heartfelt Sympathy,
Joe Mastriana & Family

Rob Kutzik

June 7, 2016

Not only one of the greatest teachers I ever had but truly a great man. I am so sorry for your loss. He will never be forgotten by the hundreds of students he taught at Akiba.

Kendra Elliott

June 7, 2016

My condolences to Fred's family. He was larger than life and a very sweet man. I will remember his passion for radio and direct response. Blessings of comfort to you all during this difficult time.

George Kennedy

June 7, 2016

To the Catona Family: I extend my deepest sympathies. I only knew Fred on the tennis court. I always called him "My Captain". Not a Saturday went by at Wentz Run Park when Fred would make a shot and proclaim it "the greatest shot of my life". I now know that Fred's greatest shot was his family. All of us terribly miss our "Captain".

Sheree Goldflies

June 6, 2016

Dearest Linda & the Catona Family: Deepest condolences on the loss of an extraordinary and talented man. He contributed much to the advertising community, and in turn, to those inspired by his innovative marketing to use a variety of products. More significantly -- his love, support, and impact on family, friends, students & athletes, and many other communities, were boundless. Truly a giant of a man who leaves a legacy of love.

Vicky

June 6, 2016

I first met Mr. Catona(he insisted that I call him Fred, but I had such great respect for him that I insisted on calling him Mr. Catona) in 2005 at a business seminar. He was the kind of person you'd meet and feel like you had known him forever. He had a great personality, a wonderful disposition and a fantastic personality.
Our Loss,Heavens Gain! My deepest sympathy to all of his family. May Peace Be With You!

Deborah Schnellenbach

June 6, 2016

To the Catona family, Schnell and I were shocked and saddened by the loss of Fred. Such a great guy! He was so instrumental in establishing the wrestling scholarship to honor Carl and then Marty, and we will always be grateful for that. He was loved. Kahlil Gibran said, "When you are sorrowful look again into your heart and you will see that in truth, you are missing that which has been your delight." You are in our thoughts and prayers. And Fred was such a delight. We will miss him.

Al & Lona Catona Catona

June 6, 2016

To all of Fred's family, words cannot express the sadness and loss we feel upon learning of Fred's passing. We are so proud of the man Fred became and of all his wonderful life accomplishments. Our thoughts of him include Wildwood days at Grandpop's house, many Thanksgiving dinners at Palumbo's Restaurant, his deli in Ridley and so many happy times together in West Philadelphia. We love you Fred and we will never forget you. Aunt Lona and Uncle Al Catona

Steve Bordewick

June 6, 2016

I met Fred at an event where he spoke in Purto Vallarta, Mexico earlier this year, and his message was not only immensely entertaining but also deeply profound. I would often tell people about having met Fred and the power of his message, and I was doing just that when another person informed me of his passing. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Fred. My heart truly goes out to Fred's family.

Kevin Creegan

June 6, 2016

Fred was like a brother to me.He and I shared many experiences together both happy and sad.He taught me a lot and I loved him like a brother.I am a better man for having known him and he is very much in my thoughts and prayers.I want to extend my most heartfelt condolences to Fred's wife Linda and his three sons Christopher, Matthew, and Andrew as well as his brothers Anthony and Gary Catona.

Susan Handler-Wakefield

June 6, 2016

Linda, Fred sounds like an amazing man. I know you must have had a wonderful life with him. I am so very sorry for your loss. I've missed many years of your life and now that we've reconnected I remember your beauty and kindness. I'm thinking of you.

Dana Hedges

June 5, 2016

Linda,
Fred always lit up when he spoke of you. I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your husband ,best friend ,and business partner , I feel so grateful for the time you and Fred had in Thailand together before his untimely passing. Dana Hedges Richmond VA

To the entire Catona family , and friends , Every time I saw Fred we had an unspoken respect for one another. We share the same grandchildren and George and my hearts are broken that you departed so soon. As we sat together weeks ago and had the most e

Dana Hedges

June 5, 2016

To the entire Catona family , and friends ,
Every time I saw Fred we had an unspoken respect for one another. We share the same grandchildren and George and my hearts are broken that you departed so soon. As we sat together weeks ago and had the most enjoyable conversations. The grandchildren are too young to understand all you could have taught them. The grandboys were taken out of school to have lunch with their Grand Pop. ❤ That may have been the most dearest luncheon ever. We will dearly miss you Fred. You had a contagious following of people Where ever you went. I could tell. Dana Hedges Richmond VA

Lynn and Myron Friedman

June 5, 2016

Fred and his family were our neighbors on Girard Avenue in Ridley Township in the late 1970's. Our best remembrances of Fred are that he was a good dad, a funny guy, and to this day, his hoagies were the best we've ever eaten. Our sympathies and prayers are with his family at this sad time.

Al Catona Jr. Catona

June 5, 2016

To Fred's family, my wife Adrianne and I are deeply saddened and wish to send our sincere condolences on the loss of my cousin, Fred.To Gary and Anthony, we are sorry for the loss of your brother. He was such an intelligent person. His accomplishments and ideas speak for themselves. Most of all, Fred was such a nice person. I am very thankful that I saw Fred at our family reunion and had the chance to talk with him for a long time. I love my family and my cousins. Fred, you made us all very proud. Another great Catona! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Rest in peace cousin. Love, Al Catona Jr. and Adrianne Catona.

A tribute to my father Family values Catona style I will always carry my father where ever I go!

Andrew Catona

June 5, 2016

A tribute to my father
Family values Catona style
I will always carry my father where ever I go!

George Hedges Jr.

June 5, 2016

Andrew, Linda & Family,
It is with much sadness that I learned of Fred's untimely passing. Although I knew Fred for 10 years and despite our brief encounters, I found him to be very soft spoken and a kind man.
Several weeks ago while he was in Virginia, we had the opportunity to sit down and talk for 4 hours. Fred and I, both parents, grandparents and business owners discussed our lives, business and family. While being familiar with Fred's numerous business ventures, I enjoyed him telling me in depth about all of them. While he will be missed dearly, I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to spend those hours together.

Mitch Russo

June 5, 2016

Fred was one of the most intelligent, caring and wonderful people I've ever known. Fred, Linda and I had a fun Italian dinner together in Boston back in 2011, I knew that night that we would be friends. And we became great friends. We last spent time together in Florida, about 5 weeks ago. I was his "assistant" and we had some great meals together and a lot of fun, as usual. I know what a shock this has been for everyone, we forget how fragile our lives really are. Yet, when we lose someone so suddenly, so vital, so filled with life and vitality, it hurts even worse. I will miss Fred and wish this didn't happen, but I will have to remember all of the gifts I received from my friend, Fred. Rest in peace.

Carolyn Cavallo

June 5, 2016

My deepest prayers of comfort to his wife Linda and to Fred's immediate family; extended family and friends. As a young adult I turned to Fred for guidance. Fred reinforced and helped me reestablish my faith. He instructed me to read Job and Psalms and to this day my faith comforts me and makes me a better person. I will miss his kindness and compassion he has always shown me.
Carolyn Cavallo- Cousin

Marc Catona

June 5, 2016

I spoke with Fred Catona a month ago. He was going around the world to speak with his wife. Fred was an entrepreneur. Someone who is very inspirational person to me and my future. He loved life, family and being Italan. My deepest condolences to Fred's family. He will be sadly missed by all.

Caroline Catona

June 5, 2016

Thinking of you Uncle Fred up there with Grandmom and Grandpop and Jackie

MIKE KRONES

June 5, 2016

WHAT A SURPRISE ~THE PASSING OF A FORMER FRIEND AND FORMER NEIGHBOR ON GIRARD AVE, SWARTHMORE. MANY PLEASANT MEMORIES WITH FRED AND HIS CHILDREN!

Nina Greene

June 4, 2016

Words can't express my feelings of loss, sadness and shock. Fred was more than a very close friend he was part of my family. I will miss my one of a kind Fred forever. Linda you are in my prayers. GBY.

Amy HARBO

June 4, 2016

To Andrew and the entire Catona family-
I am so very sorry for your loss. Andrew, I know how much you loved your father. May all the things that made him so special live on in you. Peace, Amy

Elizabeth Pearce

June 4, 2016

Andrew (and the rest of the Catona family), I feel privileged to have met your father. He was a great man, a brilliant marketer and a gentle soul. We had planned to have breakfast at Fred's in Sausalito the next time he was in San Francisco.
I am sad and I know my sadness is nothing compared to your grieving.
Fred will be missed by a wider community than you realize. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Berniece Smith

June 4, 2016

My heartfelt sympathy goes to the entire Catona Family. I have many good memories of "Freddie" as he was growing up. My brother Chuck and Freddie were great friends and Fred was like another brother at the Petka house. Fred always had a positive attitude which I know followed him all his life. RIP.

Cindy Falteich

June 4, 2016

Fred, it was such a pleasure working with you. Your humor and optimism were contagious. You were the first person to entrust me with a personal story and for that I'm eternally grateful. I am crushed. You were awesome. See you on the flip side.

Tony Dellinger

June 4, 2016

Wish I could find the words to comfort Fred's loved ones. I Hope your pain and sorry pass quickly and only the fond memories stay with you always. When I think back and recall the most unique people I've know, Fred is at the top of the list. Too many memories from living at the Ponderosa, to 7 lb. lobsters on Cape Cod, to sailing in the Caribbean, to mention them all. He was indomitable. Requiescat In Pace.

Caroline Catona

June 4, 2016

Many memories of my Uncle Fred, working at the Country Grocer making hoagies and steaks. Uncle Freddy also came to my girl scout camping trip and did calisthenics with us. He enjoyed giving of himself.

Eric Okabayashi

June 4, 2016

Thoughts and prayers to Fred and his family. Met him playing tennis on Saturday mornings with my dad and his group. A very thoughtful and energetic man, his joy and compassion for others will be missed.

I only met you here inThailand and was captured by you straight away. You will stay in my mind forever and be an inspiration for all my life and business actions. Thanks so much for those few impressive moments. Your spirit will stay alive ! I wish Linda

mercedes choufoer

June 4, 2016

I only met you here inThailand and was captured by you straight away. You will stay in my mind forever and be an inspiration for all my life and business actions. Thanks so much for those few impressive moments. Your spirit will stay alive ! I wish Linda and all the family and friends all the power to cope with tremendous and unexpected loss. Mercedes Choufoer from France.

Andrew Catona

June 3, 2016

My father was a mans man with the heart of gold and a fist of iron. I will miss my fathers laugh and how he spoke to me and hugged me. Thank you all for celebrating my father, this is the way he would have wanted it.

Jim Wong

June 3, 2016

I am in shock. Fred helped me prepare for my keynote speech at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball two years ago. 10-minute speech to a standing ovation -- classic Fred inspiration! God bless. RIP, my friend.

Paul Nyce

June 3, 2016

I am in shock. Fred was a friend for about 25 years. I will miss his optimizism that always was his persona. His children and family will miss him as well as the business world he enjoyed.
God Bless You Fred...

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May 30, 2022

Caroline Catona posted to the memorial.

May 30, 2017

Caroline Catona posted to the memorial.

July 16, 2016

Gregory Olinyk posted to the memorial.