Natale Salvatore Cataudella

colorful New-York-City-driving inspired vocabulary. He had his final flight at the age of 82 on the 13th

of April, 2022. He joined his son, Sean; wife, Connie; and brother, Michael, after a brief battle with

illness.

From his Sicilian roots and position as the youngest of 4 in Brooklyn, New York, he grew as a man

determined to prove his worth and his strength. Joining the United States Air Force as a young man

paved the way to his life's work and the beginning of a beautiful family. He met his wife, Connie, and

within three days knew he wanted to marry her. Their life together bore three gorgeous daughters.

They traveled with him all over the country and the world, moving to England, where they purchased

a beautiful home dubbed "Glenabon". After returning to the States, Connie--suspecting she had the

flu--surprised them all by completing their family with their son, Sean. Sal led his children in

Revolutionary War reenactments with the 2nd Maryland Regiment Afoot as the "Cannon Cocking

Cats". The experience taught them lessons in history and cannon safety.

Sal's love of wings and flight carried on throughout his life as a pilot and he continued his career as

an aircraft mechanic after retiring from the Air Force as a Tech Sergeant. Gliding was a passion--the

freedom and almost magical sense of flying without an engine, but instead only his wits and

knowledge to guide him. Even in retirement he couldn't be slowed down. He spent a considerable

amount of time as a volunteer police officer, finally putting his lead-footed abilities to good use. His

joy was endless. He volunteered as a docent for the Sonoran Desert Museum and volunteered at the

DM pharmacy for many years. The Reid Park Zoo fostered his love of big cats, and interestingly, a

baby elephant was conveniently named Connie during his tenure there.

As a member of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs, he became known as the best pancake flipper and

bingo caller. The ones closest to heart, his grandkids and great-grandbabies, knew him as Grandpa

Sal, with the silly hats and socks for holidays, and answers to a million questions they had to ask him

while barging into his office. Grandpa Sal always had hugs filled with love from his huge heart. His

home was always a welcoming place for holiday gatherings and summer breaks, where he would

secretly share his stash of the good snacks and ruin the grandkids' appetites before dinner.

After laying his wife Connie to rest, he set on new adventures, meeting his traveling companion and

dearest friend, Alice. They spent time sailing on cruises together and seeing so many things this

world has to offer. They raised beautiful butterflies that attempted to eat them out of their greenhouse

and home. As a wonderful companion, she steadfastly stayed at his side as he transitioned to

continue his journey, soaring in the heavens surrounded by those he loved.

He is survived by his sister Patsy; his three incredible daughters Natalie, Stephanie, and Christine;

his awesome grandkids Megan, Brandon, Courtney, Torie, Alex, Quinn, Damian, Ian, Kai, and Sarah;

as well as four great-grandbabies Aeris, Johnathan, Dominic, and Sebastian.

A short memorial and interment service celebrating Natale’s life will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022

at East Lawn Cemetery at 10:30 am. In honor of Natale’s volunteer spirit, if you are inclined to send

flowers, please make a donation to your preferred service organization.