Joseph Francis Catalanello, 66, of Streator, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.
A prayer service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Mueller-Pagani Funeral Home in LaSalle followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in the Queen of Holy Rosary Church in LaSalle with The Very Rev. Antonio Dittmer, pastor of St. Hyacinth’s Church in LaSalle officiating. Full military rites will be conducted by the LaSalle-Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group.Burial will be private in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa at a later date. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a prayer service at 3:45 p.m.
Mr. Catalanello was born on September 13, 1949 in Peru to Anton and Joan (Hoffman) Catalanello. He served during the Vietnam War as a Marine earning the Bronze Star of Valor. He married Patricia Fowler-Whiteaker on June 30, 2000 in Ottawa. Joe retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation. He was a member of the VFW, Marine Corps League, American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia of Streator; his mother, Joan Catalanello of LaSalle; daughters, Jennifer Head and Corrie Catalanello; 8 grandchildren; four brothers, David (Angie) Catalanello, Kenneth Catalanello, Donald Catalanello and Ronald Catalanello all of LaSalle; one step-son, Josh (Tami) Whiteaker of Normal; and his loving companion Alice the Chihuahua and the rest of the pack.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Pallbearers will be David, Ronald, Donald and Dylan Catalanello, Josh Whiteaker, Thomas Fowler and Kevin Fowler.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Pet Project or IVAR.
Joseph has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Seasons.