Charles M. Cataldo

Charles Michael Cataldo (Chuck), devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who lit up the world with his sense of humor and infectious smile, died peacefully on March 3, 2022, at the age of 98.

Chuck was born on October 10, 1923, in Revere, MA, to Angelina and Michael Cataldo. He was raised in Los Angeles by his single mother, Angie, and he graduated from Fremont High School in 1941. In 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the battleship USS North Carolina (BB-55) during WWII. His official title was an Electrician’s Mate Petty Officer 2nd Class (EM2/c). Chuck worked on the 16 inch guns and the electrical systems that kept the guns functioning. He loved his ship (BB-55) and often talked about transferring to Hawaii when he became part of the crew in 1942 (this was right after a torpedo attack that damaged the ship but not too seriously). After repairs, BB-55 returned to the South and Central Pacific in 1943 and 1944, and was involved in several major battles/campaigns including:

The Gilberts and Marshall Islands

Mariana and Palau Islands

The Battle of the Philippine Sea

The Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa in 1945

Numerous attacks on Japan

Chuck and the crew of USS North Carolina transited the Panama Canal on October 8, 1945, and arrived in Boston on October 17. He talked about the trip through the Panama Canal and all the stops he made on the east coast. This was the first time he got to meet his Boston family (father Michael Cataldo, his half sister Ann Belmonte, and numerous cousins). He always said “I was treated like royalty.” After the war ended, he continued in the Naval Reserves at Los Alamitos, CA, and received an Honorable Discharge in December of 1945.

During his service, Chuck was awarded various medals, including:

Navy Good Conduct Medal

American Campaign Medal

Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with 11 Stars

Victory Medal World War 2

Philippine Liberation Medal with 1 Bronze Star

Chuck had many friends while growing up in LA, but one was special: his childhood sweetheart, Faith Hann. When Chuck returned from the war, they were married in a quiet courthouse ceremony in Santa Barbara in 1946. They eventually settled in Gardena, CA, after starting their married life in the south LA area. Chuck and Faith did their part for the “baby boom” generation by raising a family of six kids. While the family was growing, one of the highlights of the year for the whole family was the annual trip to Yosemite National Park and then on to Carson City, later Westwood, to visit Faith’s parents.

Over the years Chuck and Faith joyfully embraced the expansion of their family as they added sons- and daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Chuck playfully ribbed each new member of the family, delighting them with his many jokes, snippets of old songs, and an occasional sharp elbow to the ribs.

In his civilian life, Chuck worked at Pacific Telephone Southern Region for 36½ years as a senior supervisor in the Circuit Provision Bureau, Message Network Department, until his early retirement in 1982.

Chuck and Faith enjoyed life, traveling often, but could always be counted on to show up for little league games, school plays, birthday parties, and family celebrations. Chuck took care of his family in many ways big and small: making classroom accessories in his garage woodshop, helping with home improvements or repairs, babysitting his grandkids, or simply stopping by for a quick visit. He loved playing Yahtzee and Pinochle every chance he had, and there was always a Dodger game on the TV or radio. Chuck and Faith were also longtime members and volunteers at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Gardena, and later at Ascension Lutheran Church in Torrance.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Faith Cataldo. He is survived by his six children, Michael (Joanne), Christine (Paul), Linda (Tom), David (Kathy), Tony (Lisa), and Donna (Jason); eight grandchildren, Karen (Eric), Phillip (Gwen), Tim (Amy), Ryan, Mari (Chris), Matthew, Charles, and Justin; and one great-grandchild, Elora Leigh.

“I have a vision!”  We love you and we will miss you.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to: Battleship North Carolina Generations Campaign, National Veterans Foundation or a charity of your choice.