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BORN
1948
DIED
2023
DAVID CATO Obituary
1948 2023
David Ruben Cato (Dave) passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home on November 16, 2023, at the age of 75. David was born to Ruben and Crusita Cato in Brawley, California. He graduated from Brawley High School in 1966. He was an exceptional athlete and was a member of the IV Hall of Fame as an All League MVP in football and a two time all conference shortstop. After high school, he went on to play football at New Mexico State and California State University Chico.
David married Judy Blake in 1969. They met while both were attending Chico State. They celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in July. Dave is survived by his wife, Judy; and their children, Allison (Nate Sonberg), Kristi (Bill Napoli), and Brian (Sarah Callaway); and 7 grandchildren: Alex Cato, Josiah Robinson, Marin Robinson, Shea Sonberg, Mackenzie Cato, Kai Robinson, and Beau Cato. Dave's family meant a lot to him, and he spent much of his time loving and supporting them. He coached his children and grandchildren in all sports, including at Chico Eastside and Pleasant Valley High School. He was often seen at their school and sporting events.
Dave was inducted into the Orland High School Hall of Fame in 2012. He taught at Orland High School for 35 years. He also coached baseball and track, but his main passion was football, which he coached for 23 years. As the coach for football, his teams won 116 games, 3 Westside League Championships, and a Northern State AAA Championship. He taught weight training classes at Butte College. He loved coaching and had lifetime bonds with many of his players.
Dave loved all sports. He loved to play football, basketball, baseball, softball, and golf. His passion, love, and competitive nature were known to all who knew him.
Dave and Judy traveled all over the world to explore. His favorite destination was Hawaii, which led to many family trips with his children and grandchildren.
Dave's smile, playful spirit, and love of life will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Dave is also survived by his siblings, Steve Cato, Becky Cato, Tom Cato, Arthur Cato, Jack Cato, and Mary Dowsey.
A Celebration of Life will be on January 14, 2024 at 2 pm at the Elks Lodge in Chico.
A special thanks to all the medical staff at UCSF and Enloe Cancer Center for their care and compassion.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for DAVID CATO
Mercy Paramo
January 18, 2024
Sorry for your loss Becky, my deepest condolences to you and your loved ones. May he Rest in Peace
Kathy Williams
January 3, 2024
So sorry for your loss Becky sending my deepest condolences to you and your family kathy
Alex Mucino
December 28, 2023
David, was a Friend and Great Athlete. Very competitive and always smiling. May you Rest in Peace and keep smiling. Alex Mucino
Terri Murray
December 25, 2023
Tommy so sorry to hear about your brother David's passing, my prayers and my sincere condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace
Brawley Friends
December 23, 2023
Our prayers and sincere condolences to David's wife and children, and all his siblings. We have great memories of all the Cato brothers and sisters from our elementary, junior high and high school years. A very nice and talented family. May God bless you all and comfort your hearts at this time. Rest in peace, beloved David.
Martha Rodriguez Scarbrough
December 21, 2023
So sad to hear of David's passing. I remember him well as a classmate of BUHS Class of 66. I have memories that always bring a smile to my face and a lift to my heart. Nice all around person. My condolences to his family. We always spoke at Reunions. RIP David.
Jimmy r belandres
December 20, 2023
To the Cato family. Becky, Art..sorry to hear about David's passing. The hurt never goes away but it eases in time...jimmy Belandres
stan arterberry
December 19, 2023
I am sorry to learn of David´s passing. May he rest peacefully in his heavenly home and God watch over his wife and family. I have great memories of David attending Brawley High School.
Ike Adams
December 19, 2023
I am so saddened to hear of David's passing. He was a lifelong friend starting in kindergarten. We played baseball together thru high school. Tremendous athlete and great teammate. My condolences to Judy and all the family. I have been blessed to have him as a friend.
Kenneth G Skillman III
December 19, 2023
The Skillman family will be praying for the entire Cato family during this time. I was a '79 Brawley High classmate of David's little sister, Mary, and a softball teammate of brother Tom way back one summer in the 80s, but David had already paved the way for me in the Orland and Chico area when I moved to northern California in 2002. When I met the Orland mayor back then after becoming their City Engineer, he asked me where I was from. I responded that it was a little town near the border that he probably hadn't heard of. To my surprise, he was a co-worker with David at Orland High and knew much about Brawley and the Cato family. I will forever be grateful to David for that.
Peace be with you,
Kenneth G Skillman III
Rick Johnson
December 19, 2023
Sincerest condolences to the Cato family.
Bobby hodges
December 19, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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