Donald Jerome Cattaneo was born on January 25,1932 of Dante and Mildred W. Cattaneo in New York City. He graduated from high school-LaSalle Military Academy in Long Island, NY. In 1954, he graduated from Fordham University and was commissioned into the Army. In January of 1955, he married Barbara Sanchez RN and spent the next 2 years together stationed in Frankfort, Germany.
In 1956, 57, 58 and 63, their children Elizabeth, Christopher, Matthew and Dante were born. In the meantime, Don pursued a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry. Don worked for several companies including Chickle, Squibb, Schering, Endo Labs, Pharmacia and Astra.
He received his MBA from New York University in the mid 60’s.
The family lived in Floral Park, NY, Martinsville, NJ and Paxton, MA. In the early 1980’s, Don began a consulting practice to help pharmaceutical companies attain FDA approval for production of medical products. At that time he moved to warmer climes in Florida. He married Cheryl Sicard and lived in St. Augustine, Apollo Beach, eventually settling in Murphy, NC on “The Mountain”.
In that community, they developed strong ties with friends on the mountain and at St. Williams RC Church.
Don loved gatherings of all kinds with family and friends. He loved to eat especially ice cream, and Italian food. He had a special fondness for good Scotch. He loved to tell stories, perfected and shared his “gravy” and lasagna recipes. In his day, Jaguar sports cars, boating and fishing were avid pastimes. Never known to be the quiet type, he carried the moniker of “Whispering Smith” from his Fordham days.
Don was predeceased by: wives Cheryl and Barbara, son Matthew, his parents and sister Justine. Additionally, his cousin Frank (Buddy) and Joan Reynolds and many close friends anxiously await his arrival.
Surviving the loss of Don are his children: Elizabeth, husband Richard Tantillo, their children Gabrielle and Luke (NY); Christopher Cattaneo and his children Christopher and Catrina (HI, MA); Dante (Rosalia) and his children Anthony, Kristi Ann (Tony) Zajni and Jordan. His great grandchildren: Alina, Caysen and Kingston James (FL).
His southern family survivors include: Barbara Reynolds and her children:
Michael, Melissa and grandchildren, Isabella and Shophia (GA, NC)
Denise R. Angrisani, husband Robert and their children Kristen (Jeremy) and Robert (Sarah) and great grandchildren Palmer, Bennett, Vance and Hannah (GA, FL).
Jacqueline R. Gallo, husband Dave and their children: Natalie and Gregory (GA).
The Atlanta/Murphy families closest to Don in these last decades will mourn their loss and find comfort in their memories of their special and significant relationships and their place in his heart. Don’s children and their families are indebted to all involved for their care, love and nurturing.
Don’s friends from Murphy and Florida, played a central role and added much joy and entertainment to his life. From the St. William Parish, to Don’s Fabulous Friends, he was well looked out for and was never wanting for companionship.
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