Joe Catano

Joe Catano, 82, went home to be with the Lord on January 15, 2021. Joe, was born in Artesia, New Mexico on April 11, 1938, to Juan and Petra Catano. As a young boy Joe accompanied his family to California. Joe’s father was a migrant farm laborer from Texas. As was the custom, the family travelled extensively following various harvest seasons throughout central and northern California, many times camping under trees and sleeping in barns.

Joe was well known for his strong work ethic, his first job was at the age of 9. At age 16, he carried three jobs, one of which was in the salt mines, to help support his family. Joe had to work hard at a young age, a trait that served him well throughout his life. At the age of 18 Joe settled in Bakersfield with his family where he was able to establish roots after spending all his young life travelling.

Joe met the love of his life, Lupe Duran Castro, in March 1960 while working as an insurance agent. He was called to serve in the Army as a heavy equipment mechanic shortly after they met. Joe and Lupe married on December 08, 1962. They were married 58 years and raised three children, Gina, Linda, and JJ. Joe and his new bride moved to the San Fernando Valley in August 1964, where Joe worked for General Motors and RTD until the family moved back to Bakersfield the summer of 1978 where he and Lupe bought a home with acreage and filled their home with many family gatherings, weddings, and events, which brought him great pleasure. Family was what brought him the most joy.

Joe, a devout Catholic, served in the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight, and in the ministry of Catholic Cursillo where his love of cooking was put to good use over many years. Joe also served in the ministry of Marriage Encounter, served as an Extra Ordinary Eucharistic Minister, a Lector, taught Pre-Baptismal classes and an RCIA class in addition to serving at numerous funerals helping with praying the Rosary. Joe developed a love of music at a young age, as a self-taught guitarist, he played in a band and brought joy to his family and friends over the years with his music. God blessed Joe with an inquisitive engineering and problem-solving mind. He was able to tackle and solve almost any task placed before him. He could fix, build and accomplish all that he set his mind to.

Joe is well respected, loved and admired by so many. He was a patient teacher of life’s lessons. The void he leaves can never be filled. His life and memory will endure forever. Joe leaves behind his beloved wife Lupe Catano and daughters Gina Klinge and son-in-law Larry Klinge, Linda Chafin and son-in-law Thomas Chafin. Grandchildren, Gabriel Castro, Randal Chafin, Justin Pomato and Morgan Scott, and great grandchildren, Isabella Gomez, Quinn Castro and Cooper Scott and his sister Jesse Santillan and brother Manual Catano along with numerous nieces and nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his son, Juan Jose “JJ” Catano, his father Juan Catano, mother Petra Catano, sisters, Mary Catano Moreno and Cruz Subia. Visitation will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, California on Wednesday February 3, 2021 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Rosary will be at 3:00 p.m. Mass of the Christian Burial will be on Thursday February 4, 2021 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe outdoor Pavilion located at 4600 E Brundage Lane, Bakersfield California.