Michael Catapano

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Michael Catapano. His devotion to his family was unprecedented. He was a warm hearted and well loved individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was a man of simplicity and honesty, and above all, integrity. Michael was someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Michael at all times said what he meant. We often called him "Mr. Finesse", and smiled in spite of it all.

Michael was born on March 2, 1929 at home in Westbury, New York. He was the son of Angelina and Aneillo Catapano (a.k.a. Julia and Henry). Michael was raised in Westbury, New York. Michael's childhood shaped him to be the adult he grew up to become. During his childhood he learned to be reliable to family and committed to all in his life. These admirable qualities would become a part of Michael's personality throughout his life.

Michael was a special individual in the crowd. He was the rock, the leader, and the icon amongst his family. Michael loved to initiate games and activities with his family. Michael was the man you wanted when a true crisis came about. He was the strength in any situation. He would point out in any situation that as long as everyone was okay, and as long as no one was hurt, than anything could be resolved, and all would be okay. He was always the rock for the family and the one to turn to to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. Michael was raised with seven siblings- five older brothers: Peter, Nick, Joseph, Carmine, and Henry and two older sisters, Philomena and Frances. Michael loved family, and he would reach out as often as possible (by phone if need be). Michael was someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences with family members. Michael was always enthusiastic about new adventures. One last adventure he was determined to do, even at the age of 81, was to get on a horse, and Michael did just that. In the beautiful Zion National Park, with all of his family memebers around, he rode a horse, and it was a wish and a dream come true. Although he had an exacting nature, Michael was always truthful with what he wanted to share. Michael held no punches. If he had something to say to you, than you had to hear it, just like he simply understood it. He was well respected for this honesty. One thing Michael will certainly be remembered for is that when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. In his later years, exercise every morning and jumble with his beloved Tresa made for a perfect start to his day. As a young man with his family, Michael held a number of interests and shared many fun times with them. Michael enjoyed playing horse shoes, bowling, shuffleboard, playing cards, horse racing and so much more. Michael usually was the champion in different events in Shapanack, a family vacation spot, in up state New York.

For Michael, fixing and rigging up different broken whatevers around the house and for the family made him happy and proud. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion both quickly and efficiently. Michael was also adept at details. Michael was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. Michael attended school until the ninth grade and had to work to help support his family. He continued this selfless and giving mindset throughout his entire life in every way he knew. Michael's children were amazed at his wonderful Italian ingenuity, as he rigged up so many different wonderments before their eyes.

There was one thing that all of Michael's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was the best friend anyone could have. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything with an honesty like no other. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Michael was such a likable person throughout his life. Michael was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. He was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Michael was very accepting of others. When Michael made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Mo Venza, Buddy Hicky, and Joey Cassessi. Later in life, he became friends with his son, Michael Catapano, Jose Leon, and Jerry Saracino.

Michael was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Michael cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On June 8, 1952 Michael married Theresa Clifford at Saint Brigid Parish of Westbury, New York. Compassionate and devoted, Michael worked hard to make his new life partner happy. His world and his commitment was to his beloved Tresa.

Family was important to Michael and he made every effort to guide through values he could pass on to his family. Michael was blessed with five children- four daughters, Sharon, Susan, Michele, and Regina and one son, Michael. He was also blessed with nine grandchildren: Nicole, Skyler, Phoebe, Amanda, Max, Brandon, Hunter, Michael, and Matthew.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Michael, and he expected the same from those around him. Michael was the hardest working man one could know. His pure and open honesty was never candy coated, and we loved him dearly for this very openness. For example, when Tresa made a blueberry pie when they were first married, Tresa asked, "Do you like the pie Hun", and he said, "No." Tresa was a bit surprised, but he said, "Hun, if I say I like it, you will make it again." This was Michael, pure honesty, that was adored after all. Michael was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Michael handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad "big picture". His primary occupation was as a Post Office clerk. He was employed for 30 years at the Westbury Post Office in New York. Mike had to learn the hard way that customers were always right. Michael was a man of honor though, and he always was doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues. Mike also worked as a Westbury voluntary fireman in New York from age 16-34.

Blessed with a unique nature, Michael was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Michael was a Navy veteran, and was stationed in Boston, Massachusetts. Michael was honorably discharged from the Navy after serving one year in order to return home because of hardship, and continued to help support his parents.

A methodical man, Michael enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were horse races, talking on the phone, video poker at Green Valley Ranch, fixing things, and cooking.

Michael was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Michael was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included bowling. Michael also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, Jai-Lai, and horse racing.

His high moral standards and traditional values served Michael well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of Saint Brigid Parish of Westbury, New York. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

Not only did Michael enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included Shapanack, Edgemere, Silverlake Farms, Lake George, Storytown, and Florida.

Since it was easy for Michael to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Michael was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1986. His new life involved relocating to Vero Beach, Florida. In retirement, he found new pleasure in bowling, bingo, Jai-Lai, horse racing, card games including poker, three to thirteen, and crazy eights. Even in retirement, Michael stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Michael passed away on December 30, 2010 at Saint Rose Dominican Hospital. He is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa; his children: Sharon, Susan, Michele, Regina, and Michael; his grandchildren: Nicole, Skyler, Phoebe, Amanda, Max, Hunter, Brandon, Michael, and Matthew; and his brother, Carmine. Michael was laid to rest in Palm Mortuary's Eastern Cemetery.

Michael was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Michael was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will remember him forever

Our Dad and my Moms best friend for life passed away on December 30th 2010. A letter to our Dad, Mom's husband: the family rock:

We are at a loss of words on paper for the first time. I know that we love you. Dad, this all seems surreal, like we will make up soon and the early morning phone calls will come in from you. We wish we could have shared your thoughts in your final hours. We wish we could have merged with you in those moments to understand more about this part of life, when one leaves this earth. Our Dad, you daddy; were never going to go, not in our minds. You were solid, strong, so permanent. You were like having heaven on earth to all of us, because now we realize you were the heartbeat of this family. Now we are remembering all the wonderful stories. Each of us can recall the most beautiful endearing moments spent with you. We loved everything about you, and we will admit we did not realize how important each incident was while you were with us. We believe we always have tomorrow. You taught us just one more time, not to get so busy again, that you don't stop to tell loved ones, that you love them dearly, and that perhaps we should just sit and chat awhile.

Dad you were our teacher through life. Growing up, we watched you like children do watch their favorite hero. Always we saw your strength. Always we knew your love. That is what we will remember.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.