Thomas Joseph Catalanotto

Tommy's Words to His Family

Well… I guess this is the part where I'm supposed to say goodbye. Who would have thought it would be on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026!

And if you know me, you know I never liked long goodbyes. I preferred a good joke, a full stomach, and making sure my family was okay.

First things first… let's clear this up once and for all.

Yes. PawPaw really was Batman.

I told you all for years. You just didn't believe me. Turns out, God needed a night shift protector, and I guess I got promoted. So Shar, you were right. I am flying through the sky now. And I'm keeping an eye on every single one of you.

And Abby… those rainbows? That's me saying hello. I wouldn't miss your birthday. Not then. Not ever.

I want to start with my Marie.

Marie… we argued like professionals. We could've won championships. You always meant what was best for me, and I was too hard-headed to admit you were right most of the time. But no matter what, we always had each other's backs. Always.

We were about to celebrate 25 years together. Our silver anniversary. And I know you probably think I went early just to get out of buying you a gift.

I'll admit… the timing does look suspicious.

But the truth is, loving you was the easiest thing I ever did. We went through more than most people ever will, and we came out of it stronger. You stood beside me when I was sick, when I was hurting, when I was stubborn, and when I was scared.

And Marie… when you told me to stop playing and give you a sign… I heard you. I needed you to know I was okay. I'm still with you. I always will be.

And don't worry… I already ran into your mama, Eyvonne.

We're still working on our love-hate relationship. She looked at me like she always did, and I told her, "Don't start with me. I just got here."

But truthfully… it's peaceful here. And I'm surrounded by family again. My mama Flo was waiting for me. And let me tell you, heaven finally has real Italian food again. I've missed her cooking more than anything. I was always her boy, and I always will be.

To my children, Scott and Sarah… I want you to know I never stopped loving you. Not for one second. I was proud of you both every day, even when life didn't go the way any of us planned. Seeing you rebuild your lives, your families, and your strength meant everything to me.

Scott… coaching your boys, just like I coached you… that meant more to me than you'll ever know. That's our legacy. That's our bond. And Miles and Asher… maybe one day you'll carry that forward too. Coaching, teaching, loving the game, and loving your family the way we always have.

Sarah… your strength and your heart always made me proud. And Makayla… my sweet girl. Even when I wasn't there in person, I knew you. I loved you. I showed your pictures to everyone I met. All of you. I bragged about you like you hung the moon.

Every person I ran into knew your names. They knew your faces. Because that's what proud PawPaws do.

And now, whether you knew me well or not, you have me with you every single day. Because Batman protects his family. Always. You've got me watching over you now. You're safe. I promise you that.

To the five grandkids who filled my everyday life with chaos and joy…

Thank you for driving me crazy. For turning on every fan in the house like you were trying to cool the entire state. For taking over my TV. For making my house loud and full and alive.

Natalie… you owe me a dance. And don't think you're getting out of it. I'll be there when you walk down that aisle. When the music plays, just know I'm there, smiling bigger than anyone. Sammy ... take care of my girl , stick with her and hold her extra tight for me. Thank you for loving my Nat .

Abby… keep looking for me in the rainbows. I'll keep showing up.

Olivia… my partner in crime. I'll be at every wrestling match. You keep winning, and you keep telling me all about it. I want you to go to college. I want you to build a big, beautiful life. And never forget, there are a lot of people up here in heaven rooting for you. Me loudest of all.

Bob… I need you to keep singing. Keep playing your music. I'll be there in New York, front row, you just won't see me. I wouldn't miss it for anything. And do me a favor… get yourself some real Italian food while you're there. Don't embarrass me eating anything else.

Shar… keep looking up at the sky. You already understand things most adults don't.

I loved being your PawPaw. That was my greatest title.

I loved coaching ball. I loved winning Trivia Pursuit, fair and square. And no, I never cheated. I was just smarter than all of you. I loved building your furniture, even when it came with a million pieces and no instructions that made sense.

I loved Disney trips, cheese and apples, Brother Martin High School, St. Dominic Church in Lakeview, Saints football, LSU victories, and being from New Orleans (Jan 19th, 1958) my whole life. That city made me who I was.

And Chico… that 199-year-old dog… somehow outlived me. Take care of him. Or maybe he's taking care of all of you.

I know I wasn't ready. I was scared. But my faith carried me. I believed in heaven. And now I'm here. There's no pain. No sickness. No suffering. Just peace.

So don't remember me for the moment I left.

Remember the laughs.

Remember the noise.

Remember the love.

Take care of each other. Protect each other. Forgive each other.

And when you see a rainbow…

When the Saints win…

When something makes you laugh out of nowhere…

That's me.

Batman never quits.

I love you all.

Forever