John V.A. Catalogna

In Loving Memory of John Vincent Anthony Catalogna

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, John Vincent Anthony Catalogna, who passed away on September 2, 2026, at the age of 79.

John was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, and was a graduate of St. Clement High School and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. After spending 43 years raising his family in Reading, Massachusetts, he recently made his home in Wilmington. Throughout his life, he built a legacy defined by family, hard work, love, and countless cherished memories.

John treasured his years at Massachusetts Maritime Academy and his time shipping out with the Merchant Marine. He never tired of telling stories from those days, and anyone who spent time with him likely heard one or two of his favorites. Following his time at sea, John enjoyed a long and successful career as an engineer, working for Stone & Webster, the Central Artery/Tunnel Project ("The Big Dig"), and ultimately MassDOT before his retirement. He had a remarkable ability to fix just about anything and never passed up a good crossword puzzle.

For 62 years, John shared his life with his beloved wife, Claire, including 56 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on love, friendship, laughter, patience, and unwavering devotion. Through life's celebrations, challenges, and everyday moments, they stood side by side, creating a lifetime of memories that will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew them.

Above all else, John was devoted to his family. Nothing brought him more happiness than being surrounded by the people he loved. He was the proud and loving father of John Catalogna and his wife, Katherine, of Chelmsford; Philip Catalogna and his wife, Amy, of Hopedale; and Rachel McGrath and her husband, Daniel, of Reading. He took great joy in watching his children grow, pursue their own paths, and build families of their own. He was their constant source of love, encouragement, wisdom, and support.

John cherished being "Beepa," the affectionate name given to him by his grandchildren. His grandsons, Benjamin and Samuel Catalogna, and granddaughters, Morgan and Quinn McGrath, brought immeasurable happiness to his life. He loved every moment spent with them and was endlessly proud of the young people they are becoming.

John was the beloved son of the late Vincent and Phyllis Catalogna. He also leaves behind his devoted brothers, Paul Catalogna and his wife, Elaine, of Wilmington, and Mark Catalogna and his wife, Susan, of Rockport, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

John never needed much to be happy. A family gathering, a shared meal, a conversation, a good laugh, or simply knowing that everyone was doing well meant everything to him. His greatest satisfaction came from seeing the people he loved happy and together.

Losing John leaves a hole in our family that can never be filled. We will miss his stories, his advice, and all the little things that made him who he was. But more than anything, we will miss having him here with us. We are grateful for the life he lived, the love he shared, and the family he and Claire built together. He was deeply loved, and his absence will be felt every day by those who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with the family on Wednesday September 9th, 2026 in the Doherty Barile Family Funeral Home 11 Linden St. READING from 10 am to 12 pm followed by a Funeral Services Celebrating John's Eternal Life at 12. Parking attendants and elevator available. Interment will be in Woodend Cemetery, Reading.

Please consider donations in memory of John to Dana Farber Cancer Institute Breast Oncology by visiting:

https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/Donation2?df_id=10522&mfc_pref=T&10522.donation=form1