James Dalton Catalanotto

CATALANOTTO - James Dalton, of Branford, CT died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday May 15, 2009. Jim grew up in Bethpage, New York and moved to Connecticut to attend college. He graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Music and later received his masters degree in health care administration from the New School for Social Research in New York City. Jim's career led him to work in the public sector of mental health with jobs in the New York State Department of Mental Health and later with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction services in Connecticut. Following his retirement from state service in 2005, he worked with the Probate Court system, serving as conservator for individuals receiving services from the Department of Mental Health and Addictions. Jim loved music and was an accomplished guitarist. He also loved motorcycles and was often seen riding the shoreline of Conecticut, with the wind in his hair. He loved living and enjoyed good food, good wine and good friends. Jim was predeceased by him mother, Anne Catalanotto, his mother-in-law Lillian Dalton, and his brother-in-law Richard Dalton. Jim's loving family includes his wife, Pamela Dalton of Branford; his dog Zachary, his father John Catalanotto of Bethpage, New York; brother John (Emma) Catalanotto of Hicksville, New York; brother Robert (Jill) Catalanotto of Kings Park New York, sister-in-law Deborah (Jim) Beames; nephews Robbie Catalanotto, John Paul Catalanotto, John Nichols, David Nichols, Jeffrey Dalton, Christopher Dalton, Ian Richard Dalton, Cesar (Damaris) Llontop, Luis-Miguel (Patricia) Barahona; nieces Laura Catalanotto, Sarah (Jon) Blank, Lily Blank, Madelyn Blank, Monica Llontop, Christine Dalton; cousins Kim Rose, Crystal Rose, and and Casey Rose, sisters and brothers-in-law Al and Gladys Nichols, and Kathy and Bill Bell. Jim's extended family incldes many beloved friends whom he considered family including; Danny, Deb, Melissa and Roxy Rosa, Karen Snyder, Fred Manfredonia, Sandi Ardito, Andrea , Larry, James and Victoria Leibman, Jeffrey and Nicole Manfredonia, Leslie and Opie Lemert, Delinda and Crystal Brown, John and Miriam Borgatti, and Bob Knauff. He also leaves behind special childhood friends in New York - Roseanne and Bob Oneal and Vinny and Ceal Yanelli. Friends are invited to call on Wednesday May 20th from 12-2 at Cody White Funeral Home in Milford, CT and to participate in a celebration of remembrance and music at St Peters Church on River Street in Milford at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory Bikers Against Animal Cruelty, P.O. Box 68, North Haven, CT 06473 or to St Peters Church, 71 River St., Milford, Ct 06460.