Jimmie (Rocco Ruli) Catallo passed away peacefully at his home in Fresno, California at the age of 87 years. He was born August 16, 1935, with his twin sister Gena Catallo, at the family home on Woodworth Street in Clovis, California.
He was predeceased in death by his parents, Domenico and Maria Domenica (Schiboni) Catallo, brother Guerino Antonio, sisters Salutina (Lena) and Gena Maria, wife Gwendolyn (Jones), and son, Robbie Criss. He is survived by his wife Joy Louise (Snowder), brother Lou (Ludovico) Catallo, son Rocco Danny and wife Candi, daughter Rockell Antionette Jaquett and husband Kenny, daughter-in-law Theresa, grandchildren Heather, Jenniffer, Marquita, Crystal, Rocco, Dominic, Vanessa, and eleven great-grandchildren.
Jim spent most of his life growing up, living, and working in the Clovis area, graduating from Clovis High School in 1954, but graduated from the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary (elementary school) in Santa Cruz, California. At Clovis High School, he excelled in track and was a member of Mrs. Mercedes Edwards' Acapella Choir, and with his sister Gena, was a member of the Class of '54 Reunion Committee.
He married his high school sweetheart, Gwen, in October of 1954 until her death in 1997; he began his career as a Certified Diesel Mechanic in Alpaugh, Delano, Santa Maria, Santa Clara, and Fresno, where he retired in 1999. In 2002 he reconnected with a former classmate, Joy Snowder, who asked him to partner with her for a dance class at the Clovis Senior Center. In 2004 they were married. Dancing became their weekly recreation to the present. He loved his family, camping, hunting, four-wheeling, cooking, and gardening (especially at their home).
A special thank you is extended to Colleen Cooney, his stepdaughter, for her loving and attentive care during Jimmie's prolonged illness.
Jim was affiliated with the Sons in Retirement and the Clovis-Big Dry Creek Historical Society (The Clovis Museum).
Funeral Services are provided by Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Avenue, Clovis, California.
A Graveside Service for Jimmie will be held Monday, July 10, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Clovis Cemetery, 305 North Villa Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Catallo family.
