Joseph E Cato

Today We Celebrate The Life of Joseph Earl Cato
JOSEPH EARL CATO affectionately known as "Joe" to his friends and family was born on October 24, 1949, along with his twin brother Jerome to parents Alexander and Marie Cato in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.
The fourth of six children, JOSEPH was baptized at age 12 by Reverend B.M. Jackson at St. Peters A.M.E. Lion Church on August 5, 1962. JOSEPH was educated in the Philadelphia school system graduating in 1967.
Professionally, JOSEPH was a certified exterminator for the City of Philadelphia and received his professional license in 1998. He had a strong work ethic which led him to branch out and start his own cleaning business.
JOSEPH'S ambition and hard work were inspiring. He was a mentor for the Philadelphia Youth Advocacy Program. Specifically, working with children who had special needs. As drum core director, he co-founded the high-class stepper drill team at Finley's Recreation Center in Philadelphia, PA.
JOSEPH and Mabel's union started in 1971 when Joseph's best friend introduced them. This was the beginning of a beautiful partnership involving friendship, love, and everlasting memories. JOSEPH and May were married on June 22, 1974,at Saint Barbara's Roman Catholic Church in Philadelphia. They celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 22, 2024. They did everything together and stayed faithful to their vows of "until death do us part."
JOSEPH was an avid music lover whose passion for R&B music was evident by his large collection of vinyl records. Music was in everything he said and did. If you mentioned a song or a group, he could tell you the history behind it. He wasn't just a fan; he was a music historian and enthusiastic. Music touched every part of JOSEPH'S life; some of his favorite groups were The Delfonics, Ray, Goodman & Brown, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Black Ivory and Blue Magic. He connected to the artist (s) the way they connected to his heart. JOSEPH and Mabel spent their retirement days going to concerts, music festivals, plays, and traveling up until his last days. They loved attending The Philadelphia Flower Show annually, where he also volunteered.
JOSEPH is preceded in death by his parents Alexander and Marie Cato, his sisters Phyllis Battis and Lorraine Cato, and his brother Oliver Cato.
JOSEPH leaves behind to cherish his memories, his devoted and loving wife Mabel Cato, his twin brother, Rev Jerome Cato, his sister-in-law, Portia Cato, his special cousin Joyce Summers, a special brother-in-law Glenn Washington, godson Dwayne Sanders (Sharon), a goddaughter Carlene Francis, (Marcus), a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and The R&B family.
JOSEPH EARL CATO departed this life and went to be with the lord on March 10, 2025.
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