Joseph Francis Catanese

Joseph F. Catanese, 89, born and raised in New Brunswick, NJ; most recently of Bluffton (Sun City), SC. Loving husband of Julia (Zwolinski) for 65 years; children Ellen Catanese, New Hope, PA, Tom (Jan) Catanese, Coto de Caza, CA, Diane Catanese Tapper (Alan), Colorado Spring, CO, John Catanese (Suzanne Humphries), Key West, FL and grandfather to Nicholas Catanese, Max Catanese, Samantha Tapper and Justin Tapper. He is also survived by his sister, Angie Routly (Paul), Rockville, MD. Joe was a WWII veteran who served on the USS Ranger. He was awarded medals for his participation in the European African Theatre, American Theatre, Asiatic Pacific and Victory. Following the war, Joe met and proposed to Julia (on their first date) and they were married on September 25, 1949. Joe then embarked on a 37 year career with N.J. Bell Telephone and then enjoyed a 30 year retirement. In addition to his family, Joe's passions included the New York Yankees, New York Giants, Rutgers University (all four of his children are graduates) and swimming; which he did nearly every morning of his retirement. In his own words: "I've had a great life...bring on the dancing girls." Viewing will be available at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Rd., Bluffton on Monday March 17 from 2:00 pm til 4:00 pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 18 at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 333 Fording Island Rd. at 10:30 am with burial following at the Beaufort National Cemetery at 2:00 pm. Viewing will be available at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Rd., Bluffton on Monday March 17 from 2:00 pm til 4:00 pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 18 at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 333 Fording Island Rd. at 10:30 am with burial following at the Beaufort National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.