Obituary of Paul A. Catalano, Sr.

Paul Anthony Catalano, Sr., age 68, of Stow passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2017, surrounded by his children.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 38 years, Jeanne; and his parents, Jerome and Genevieve (Lautenslager) Catalano. He is survived by his daughter Jean Marie; son Paul and daughter-in-law Wendy; daughter Genevieve L’Heureux and son-in-law George; Jeanne’s son, John Fatica; and his siblings, Jerome (Debbie), Ann, Mary Jo (Kurt) Stitak, and Richard (Kathleen).

Paul was born in Lorain on March 22, 1949, and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1967. He earned Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from John Carroll University in 1971 and 1974, and a PhD in Biology from the University of Cincinnati in 1982. Paul taught and did research at John Carroll and the University of Cincinnati before making his career as a professor of biology at Lakeland Community College for nearly 30 years, retiring in 2010. He was chair of the Biology Department from 1990-1998, and was honored with the Distinguished Faculty Award in 2006.

Paul met his wife Jeanne at John Carroll University and they married July 23, 1977. He lived in Stow for 35 years in the century farm home he and his wife lovingly restored. He was a tinkerer and a handyman, equally comfortable working under a sink, the hood of a car, or inside a computer. He enjoyed the works of Tolkien, Fleming, and Conan Doyle. He admired aircraft and automobiles, especially Corvettes. He had a soft spot for frogs.

Family and friends may call Sunday 1-3pm and 5-7pm at Redmon Funeral Home in Stow. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 11am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Stow. A reception will follow graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Park Foundation or the charity of your choice.