Benedict S. Catania Jr.

1940 - 2021

Benedict S. 'Benny' Catania, Jr., age 81, completed God's plan for his life and entered into heaven on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. He was a native of New Orleans, but a resident of Gretna for the past 50 years. He was also a loyal parishioner of St. Cletus Catholic Church. He graduated from Nichols High School (class of 1958) in New Orleans, and upon graduation worked for Specialty Woodcraft as a carpenter and salesman, eventually starting his own company years later. He also worked for Western Southern Insurance Company, from whom he retired. For the past 11 years he has volunteered at the Gretna Food Bank where he was also Vice President. One of his favorite projects was working at the St. Cletus annual fair each year. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Diane Spell Catania, his daughters, Kim Marie Catania, and Michelle Catania Brady (Michael), and his son, James Gregory Catania. He is also survived by four siblings, Henry Catania, Anthony Catania, Barbara Catania, and Mary Catania Reames (Charles). His family affectionately called him "Day" and his greatest joy was spending time with them. God blessed him with four grandchildren whom he dearly loved more than life itself, Kayla Brady Suffrin (Andrew), Katelyn Ashley Brady, James Nicolas Catania, and Taylor Marie Catania. He also adored his two great-grandchildren, Drew Michael Suffrin and Parker Kate Suffrin, who always brought a smile to his face and happiness to his life. He is preceded in death by his parents Benedict S. Catania, Sr., and Mary Ann Pontiff Stiller. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation at St. Cletus Catholic Church, 3600 Claire Ave. Gretna, LA 70053 on Friday, August 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. with a Memorial Mass to follow at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be in St. Roch Cemetery No. 2. The family invites you to express your fond thoughts, memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.