Dante T. Cattani

Born on November 14, 1922, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Don moved with his family to Philadelphia in 1931. He graduated from Simon Gratz High School and was awarded an art scholarship to the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art (PMSIA), which later became the University of the Arts. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Temple University and subsequently joined the faculty at PMSIA, where he taught drawing and painting for four decades until his retirement in 1985.

Following retirement, Don and his wife relocated to Toms River, New Jersey, where he remained deeply engaged in the local arts community. He exhibited his artwork at solo shows and flourished as a commissioned artist. In 2006, Don and his wife moved to Harleysville, Pennsylvania, to be closer to family, marking the beginning of his true retirement.

Don was widely regarded as a modern-day Renaissance man. His talents extended beyond the visual arts to music, playing both piano and guitar. He was fluent in four languages and maintained a lifelong passion for studying history and science. His voracious appetite for reading often outpaced the resources of local libraries.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Elizabeth “Betti” Cattani (née Peirce), his niece Donna Peirce-Wilkins, and many cherished friends and loved ones. He is survived by his brother-in-law and longtime friend, Josh Peirce (Kay); his loving nieces Lisa Peirce, Kimberly Keller (Bill), and Melissa Baitinger (Eric); his nephew-in-law Jeff Wilkins; and several great-nieces and nephews.

To his family, Uncle Don will be fondly remembered for his quiet and thoughtful demeanor, his generous spirit, his warm smile and sense of humor, his love of Chinese food and all things sweet, and most especially for the deep love he held for his nieces, whom he adored like the daughters he never had.

A private service and interment will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Whiting Memorial Park in Whiting, New Jersey. Arrangements are under the care of Anderson Campbell Funeral Home, Toms River.