Obituary of Carmine "Sonny" Catalano

Carmine "Sonny" Catalano, a lifelong Madison resident, died peacefully on Sunday, January 2, 2022 with his beloved family at his side. He was 89.

Sonny is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Barbara Catalano (née Boehm), two sons, Carmine Catalano, Jr. & Christopher Catalano and his wife Eileen; two daughters, Kim DiLauri and her husband Michael & Cindy Marie Mohr and her husband Darrick; nine grandchildren, Michael, Brianna, Heather, Carmine D., Daniel, Denielle, Michael, Stephanie & Darrick, Jr.; six great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Sonny was predeceased by his five brothers, Dominic, Louis, Nicholas, Gabriel and Jack Catalano; and two sisters, Rose Romano and Mary Piana.

Sonny was born in Morristown on October 14, 1932 to the late Concetto and Lucy Catalano, and he was raised on North Street in Madison with his seven siblings. He served in the US Army prior to his honorable discharge, after which he served several years in the National Guard.

Sonny was married to his wife Barbara on February 25, 1956 and the young couple settled in Madison. They welcomed two sons and two daughters into their family.

Sonny was a master electrician and was a member of Union Local 102 in Parsippany before retiring thirty years ago. Prior to that he worked for the Borough of Madison Electric Department as a lineman, as well as Drew University and the State of New Jersey as an electrician. He was a mentor to younger electricians and always took pride in teaching less experienced colleagues the trade.

Sonny was a natural musician and was an extremely talented bass guitarist. He loved playing for family and friends at special events and gatherings. Sonny also loved sports and was one of the founders of Little League Football in Madison. In his younger years he played semi-pro football for the Summit Titans and the Rockaway Irondukes. Sonny’s experience and knowledge of sports made him a natural coach. He coached at Bayley Ellard and also at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

In his retirement Sonny loved to travel throughout the United States with Barbara in their travel trailer. He was an avid gardener and loved to give away his fruits and vegetables to family and friends.

Sonny’s most proud achievement was that of a father and “pop-pop”. He was a wonderful father and grandfather who loved his family dearly and devoted all the time and energy he could to his children and his grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation to celebrate Sonny’s life held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 1:00PM to 3:30PM at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison, NJ, followed by a funeral service held at 3:30PM at the funeral home.*For the safety of all, we respectfully require that all those attending the visitation and funeral services wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.* Cremation will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, please make charitable contributions in Sonny’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.