John Joseph Catena Jr.

Well its been just a little over 20 years since John's passing but I still think of him often. John and I were born the same year about two months apart so we shared similar perspectives. Like others have posted, he was a warm, friendly, kind man who everyone respected and enjoyed being around. I know he adored his daughter Lisa and her preparations for going to college. His spirit lives on in you. Blue skies John.

I can't believe it's been over 2 years. I think about you every single day and my heart still hurts knowing you're no longer here. I know I was truly blessed to have you as a father. I miss you and I love you more than words can say.

Debbie,Lisa, Becca and Matt -
I just heard of Johnny's passing - it is unreal. I am so sorry for your missing family member. Johnny was always smiling and making life better for those around him. God has him home but you'll miss him. Remember all the good times and his presence will be you at all times. God Bless your family in this trying time. With my deepest sympathy and that of my family. Janice, Jorge, Amy and Jeremy

John was a friend, a mentor, and and my boss on the SMEX Triana Project at NASA in Greenbelt. I'll never forget him. He was widely respected as a Mission Manager and had a natural gift for getting the job done. He never asked how but rather when. I think of him often at work. My sincerest condolences to his family.

I was deeply saddened to hear that John passed away. Like so many others who have posted messages here, I worked with John for many years on the SMEX project. John was far and away my favorite NASA manager; he always had a way of truly connecting with people, and making you feel comfortable and at ease. I always enjoyed the good-natured ribbing we shared over sports (he was a huge MD Terrapin fan, and I'm a UNC Tar Heel fan).

I feel very blessed to have known and worked with...

I was fortunate to work with John for several years on the SMEX Small Explorer's program at GSFC. John was very well liked and respected at SMEX - there was a very heavy turnout from former SMEX colleagues at the Viewing Sunday afternoon! I also enjoyed seeing John (and Lisa) perform in MAD's "South Pacific" and was looking forward to seeing John perform in "City of Angels" this Fall. Like everyone at NASA, I was shocked and sadden by John's premature passing. Deepest Condolences to John's...

Coach John and I have been involved with HCYP Softball before it was fast pitch. I, personally and the HCYP Community have been deeply blessed to have had John as a fiend, coach, teacher, leader, helper, supporter. John was always a voice for our girls and our programs. Over the years John actively help set the direction of our softball program as well as the basketball program. I don’t think there was anything that John loved better than to be out on the softball fields watching the girls...

Dear Catena Family,
Please accept my condolences on your great loss. My prayers are with you all.

First, to John’s family: I am so sorry for your loss.

As I am reading through the notes that have been written here, I hope that we can all convey to you how well loved and respected John has been at GSFC. Those of us who have been blessed to work on one of his projects know how kind, encouraging and effective he has been in cultivating successful teams. Ralph was exactly right when he said that John made each of us feel special in some way. When I was a Goddard neophyte, he...