Roland Louis Catenacci

Roland Louis Catenacci, of Northbrook, IL, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the remarkable age of 95. He is survived by his wife of nearly 72 years, Valerie (nee Ross), his five children Cynthia (Tom) Burr, Tony, Roland (Susan), Alicia Bellar, and Greg (Debi), as well as three grandchildren, Mary Catenacci, Matthew Burr, and Olivia Matsuo. He is also survived by his dear sister, Jo Ann Stummer, and her children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Kathleen Catenacci.

Roland was born in Chicago in1929 to Mary and Anthony Catenacci. He proudly graduated from St. Ignatius Prep High School in 1946. After World War II ended, Roland attended the University of Illinois at Champaign and Roosevelt University. He met Valerie at the building in downtown Chicago where they were both working for jewelers. After three years of courtship, they married in 1953. Four years and three children later, Valerie and Roland moved first to Skokie, then to Northfield where they lived for fifteen years that they described as the happiest of their lives. Executive positions within the automotive supply industry led them to move back and forth between the Detroit and Chicago areas several times. Roland retired in 1996.

Known for his sense of humor, funny stories and hearty laugh, Roland was the life of any party he attended. He reveled in his Italian heritage, and visited his relatives in Sora, Italy, on two memorable occasions. He was a wonderful cook, especially of his Italian favorites. In their Northfield years, he and Valerie both became involved in the Cursillo movement, a Christian leadership program. Roland was a longstanding member of the Saturday morning Cursillo prayer group that met in Northfield. He was an active member of Rotary International's Wilmette chapter in his retirement and was named Rotarian of the Year in 2005, 2017, and 2021. He was also very involved at Our Lady of the Brook parish, acting as usher and song leader in recent years. With Valerie and friends, he enjoyed attending evenings out in the city at Steppenwolf Theatre and the Chicago Symphony.

Special thanks go to Roland's devoted caregivers, Romina and Julius de Guzman, for making his last weeks so comfortable and happy.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 on Thursday, August 14, at St. Norbert & Our Lady of the Brook Church, 1809 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, in advance of a funeral Mass at 11 am. Live Stream Link. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to Rotary International (www.rotary.org/give) would be appreciated.