Obituary of Donald Catalano

DON CATALANO We are so sad to announce that Don Catalano (born July 15, 1931, full name Vincent Donald Joseph Catalano) passed away in the evening of Wednesday, December 9, 2015. His passing was peaceful at the end with his close family by his side. Our Dad was born and raised in London, Ontario, attended business school at Western, Ontario, class of 1954 and then law school at Osgoode Hall, class of 1958. We remember him always as a very special man. Smart, handsome, athletic, warm, generous and enormously charismatic, he always stood out in a crowd. He was a born leader, president of his fraternity, the Zeta Psis, his law school class, Thornhill Golf Club and Beacon Hall Golf Club. He was also a Queen's Counsel and a skilled and persuasive Barrister, a well respected 'old silk' of the Toronto bar. His legend on the golf courses of Toronto equally stands where he racked up dozens of good friends in lieu of birdies. His collection of golf sweaters rivals his average golf score but the good memories and relationships he built there vastly outnumber them both. Aside from his many personal and professional successes, however, one thing that became ever more clear to us in the final months was the impact he had on so many people on a personal level. He leaves behind his four daughters and one small dog who have lost their rock. He will also be sorely missed by his sister, his grandchildren, his ex-wives (with whom he has always remained friendly), his sons-in-law and his many nieces and nephews, their children and a large extended family. In addition he leaves scores of friends, clients, employees and colleagues whose lives he profoundly enriched throughout the years. We will remain eternally grateful to all of you who were here for him, and us, through the last few months. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 13. A small mass and funeral will be held privately for family. An open event celebrating his life is planned for May, 2016 at Beacon Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Toronto Humane Society in honour of Dad's lifelong love of dogs. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.