Anella "Nellie" Catalano, 94, of Syracuse, passed away Thursday at Loretto. A life resident of Syracuse, Nellie retired from North Syracuse School District after 25 years and was a communicant of St. Margaret's Church. She was predeceased by her husband, Dominic Catalano in 2005. Nellie is survived by one daughter, Katherine Catalano of Cicero; son, George (Karen) Catalano of Binghamton; sister, Mick Shea of Liverpool; brothers, Danny Montuori of Ontario and John Montueri of North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews. Anella was all about family. She never once complained even though life was hard on her at times. She had infinite patience only matched by generosity. No matter what time of day any one ever dropped in at the Catalano home, there soon would be a sumptuous meal on the table with endless pots of coffee and unimaginable piles of Italian cookies. And I do mean anyone- as her late husband Dominic often thought of their home as a halfway house for released convicted felons. That didn't matter to Nellie. They would get the same meal if not more delicious than the occasional visiting professor or medical doctor. Perhaps her most unique talent was as serving as a direct emissary to St. Anthony. If you ever lost anything, you could call Nellie at any time and she would pray to Saint Anthony. Without fail the missing item would miraculously appear. And it didn't matter if it was a local or a long distance call. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday 9:15 a.m. at FARONE & SON FUNERAL HOME and 10 a.m. at St. Margaret's Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home, 1500 Park Street, Syracuse. 


Published in Syracuse Post Standard from April 12 to April 14, 2013