Richard Stephen Catanzaro

He was born in North Arlington, New Jersey and raised in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Nine years ago he moved to San Antonio, Texas when he was recruited by H.E. Butt Grocery Company where he held the title Director of Seafood, Deli & Food Service Product Development, Procurement and Merchandising.

Rich headed up the Seafood department for H-E-B for nine years in which time he increased sales three times over.

He was an innovator in marketing seafood within the grocery store format and was responsible for numerous products that have become staples at the H-E-B chain.

Rich was an important part of the following organizations: National Fisheries Institute, Special Olympics on behalf of H-E-B Seafood; he was a speaker for such events as the Texas A&M Shrimp Summit, International Ground Fish Conference in Europe Barcelona, Spain, National Shrimp Processors, International Shrimp Processors, testified before the International Trade Commission; he was a major supporter and promoter of the Gladys Porter Zoo, the Blessing of the Fleet, the Shrimporee, the Releasing of Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles; and was a major contributor to such publications as 'Seafood for Dummies' and 'H-E-B's The Cooking Connection's Seafood Recipe Collection' as well as being involved with countless organizations worldwide throughout his 30 year career in the seafood industry.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Catanzaro; his daughter, Nina Catanzaro; and his son, Zachary Catanzaro. He is also survived by his mother, Nancy Catanzaro; his sisters, Connie Ewing and Nancy Walter; and his brother, Joseph Catanzaro.

Rich was well-respected and loved by everyone who knew him, and touched the lives of even those who didn't.

Pallbearers will be Zac Catanzaro, Craig Freels, Steve Harper, Geoff Stein, Dave Howitt, Bill Bonzheim, Bob Meyer, Bob Irons and Joe Catanzaro.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Catanzaro Family Trust, P.O. Box 34235, San Antonio, TX 78265.