John M. Cataline

1944 - 2025

GENEVA - On Friday, March 21, John M. Cataline, our beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully under the extraordinary care of Advent Health Hospice (Kissimmee, Fla.) after a long illness.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, April 1, from 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial with full military honors will be at St. Francis de Sales Church on Wednesday, April 2, at 10:00 a.m.. He will be interred in St. Mary's Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory should be sent to Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation, 30 Tower Lane Suite 400, Avon, CT 06001.

John was born to Paul and Nancy Cataline on May 29, 1944. He attended St. Francis DeSales School and graduated from DeSales High School in 1962. He attended Finger Lakes Community College, where he received his degree in Criminal Justice. He received his bachelor's degree in law enforcement from SUNY Empire State University. John was a dedicated and loving family man. After he and Carol married, they raised three sons, John, Michael, and David.

John proudly and honorably served his community on the Geneva Police Department for 44 years before retiring with the rank of Lieutenant. He served as the President of the PBA several times. Fiercely dedicated to service, John served in the Army National Guard for 42 years, serving his country with distinction before retiring as a Brigadier General. In retirement, John served as an Instructor at the New York State Law Enforcement Academy. He shared his extensive experience and knowledge as he helped train new generations of men and women to lead, protect, and serve their communities.

As an active member of his community, John was involved in the Boy Scouts of America where he mentored countless numbers of young men. He was also active in the local sports community as a football and baseball official for over 55 years. He served as the President of the Finger Lakes Football Association several times. John was recognized for his years of service and contributions to youth and high school sports when he was inducted into the N.Y.S. Section V Athletics Hall of Fame.

John was a man of great faith and an active and committed member of Our Lady of Peace Parish. He attended St. Stephens and St. Francis Churches in Geneva for his entire life.

In retirement, John found a new passion in golf and could often be found at one of the local golf courses perfecting his game. He enjoyed spending time with his golfing buddies and spending quality time teaching his sons how to play.

John was devoted to his family. He was the epitome of sacrificial love. He was a man of character and virtue. He always was putting his family first. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone and always gave of himself without expecting anything in return

His was a life well spent, marked not simply by his service to others but by the strong and life-long relationships he cultivated and nurtured during his time with us, and while he will be profoundly missed, his presence will continue to live in all the hearts of those he touched.

He is survived by his wife Carol; son David; brothers Paul (Jeanne) Cataline of Ocala, Fla., and Joseph (Natalie) Cataline of Oklahoma, and several nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his two sons, John and Michael; his father, Paul; his mother, Nancy; his sister, Maryann.

Online condolences for the family may be sent to www.palmfh.com