John Vito Catalano

John Vito Catalano
1930 ~ 2008

MONTEREY – John "Johnny" Catalano, devoted husband and father, gifted musician, respected businessman and beloved friend, passed on after a lengthy illness on February 17, 2008. He is remembered by many as a humble, compassionate, easygoing, gentle and loving man.
   Born in Detroit, Michigan, October 24, 1930, John arrived in Monterey with his parents, Vito and Nina Catalano, at the age of five. He graduated from Monterey High School and attended business classes at Monterey Peninsula College. His extraordinary musical talent was recognized early in his life. He was a featured tenor saxophone, flute and clarinet player and became a professional performer while still in his teens.
   He played for many years with the Mike Marotta Band, among others. During his long career, Johnny performed for three U.S. Presidents, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and countless dignitaries. His technique and exceptional ear were perfected by playing with his father, a guitarist who passed on his vast knowledge of traditional Sicilian music.
   Johnny Catalano earned the respect of his fellow musicians, who dubbed him "the best unknown musician in the world." His talent could have taken him to the heights of the music business, but he eschewed the traveling musician's life in favor of staying in Monterey to be close to his greatest love, his wife, Rosa and two sons, Billy and Mario.
   He enjoyed a long and fruitful career with Mission Linen Supply in Pacific Grove, beginning work with that firm in 1950 as a route driver and retiring in 1995 after working his way up to the executive level. Part of his success was attributed to the fact that through his generosity Johnny donated his time and talent on countless occasions for charity fundraisers, earning him the admiration and respect of business leaders all over the Monterey Peninsula. Following his retirement, Johnny, Rosa and their sons opened Cibo Ristorante Italiano in downtown Monterey. Mr. Catalano also served his community as a member of the Kiwanis, Paisano and Campari clubs.
   Johnny Catalano first saw Rosa Tarantino in 1948 and said to his friends "See that girl? I'm going to marry her." "I fell in love with my Johnny the first time I heard him play music," Rosa recalls. The couple married in 1949 and remained best friends, close confidants and business partners throughout his life.
   Johnny's musical mastery brought tears to many eyes and joy to many hearts, but he is best remembered for his devotion to his family and legion of friends. His sons recall him affectionately as a loving role model. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rosa and son, Mario and granddaughters, Ariana and Siena, all of Monterey; son, Vito (Billy), his wife, Paola and grandchildren, John and Chiara of Mondello, Italy.
   The family requests donations to be made in the name of John Catalano to Hospice Foundation of the Central Coast, P.O. Box 1798, Monterey, CA 93942-1790 or online at
www.hffcc.org/memorial_donation.htm.
   A vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, Pacific Grove. Funeral service will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2008 also at St. Angela's.