Obituary of Marion W. Catania

Marion W. Catania passed peacefully in his home with his family by his side on Saturday, November 1, 2008. Marion was born in Fredonia, NY on October 11, 1920, the son of the late Ross & Josephine (Caruso) Catania. Marion graduated from Fredonia Central School in Fredonia, NY and joined the Army Air Force in 1942 where he was a part of a flight group stationed in the Pacific Theatre known as the Flying Tigers. Marion was a tail gunner on a B24 and left as a Staff Sgt. in 1945. On November 4, 1949 at St. James Major in Westfield, NY, Marion was married to his wife of 59 years, Mary Lou Copenhaver. Marion worked for General Electric for 12 years from 1947 to 1959. After several layoffs, Marion became a partner in Larson Auto Service. Upon his partner's death in 1962, Marion became employed by Ajax Flexible Coupling Company which later evolved into Reynold, Inc. where he retired from. During his years of employment, Marion also owned and operated, along with his wife, a grape farm with membership in National Grape Co-Op for over 40 years. He was one of the original partners in the Lucky 7 grape harvesting group. Marion enjoyed several other activities in his lifetime. He and his former partner Carl Larson enjoyed many deer hunting trips in NY & PA. Marion had an active interest in stock car racing which started with his former partner Carl in the early 60's and had carried through with his being a great help to his son, Bill, during his entire racing career. Marion enjoyed spending time with his family and working around his home and taking care of his gardens filled with vegetables and berries. He also enjoyed flying, holding a private pilots license in his younger years. Marion was a lifetime member of the VFW, Westfield Moose, American Legion and the Fish & Game Club. Marion attended St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church (formerly St. James Major) in Westfield, NY. Marion was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Catania of Jamestown, brother Nicholas Catania, sister Mary St. George and his parents Ross and Josephine Catania all of Fredonia. Marion is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Lou (Copenhaver) Catania, his sister Bessie Caccamise of Fredonia, son William Catania of Westfield and daughter Catherine Catania (David) Ferguson of Westfield. There are also 4 grandchildren William (Lynne) Catania, Erie, PA, Carri Catania (Kenneth) Knapp, South Carolina, Gabrielle Ferguson, Reading, PA and Lauren Ferguson, Westfield, NY. and 4 great grandchildren Matthew, Christopher, Jenna and Madelyn. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice (please insert address)