Catherine Gravino

Catherine Gravino (nee DiPaola), age 99 of Haledon, died peacefully at home on April 13, 2021, with family members by her side. She has lived in Haledon since 1946.

Catherine was a Depression era girl and the first in her family, among her generation, to graduate from high school. She worked hard at the Kresege Department Store, and also worked as a secretary, exercising her typing skills!

She was a devoted wife to her beloved Norman, and they celebrated more than seventy-one years of marriage before he passed in 2015. Their life together started in a very traditional fashion; Norman spotted her and she played ‘hard-to-get.’  In fact, she was completely disinterested in him, but he was persistent.  She eventually agreed to a first date, walking through Westside Park in Paterson, followed by a similar second date. Their courtship ensued and eventually Norm proposed. Their wedding had to wait while Norm went off to fight with the U.S. Navy in World War II, but while home on leave one day, he suggested that they get married “this Saturday!” Catherine agreed and they organized everything in just a few days, including her wedding dress!  They exchanged vows at St. Michael’s Church in Paterson and honeymooned for just one night in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania before Norm returned to serve with the Navy. Upon his discharge in 1945, they settled into their home in Haledon and began to welcome five little Gravinos!  Catherine was devoted to raising her children and she did a great job of it! A very nurturing and selfless woman, she dedicated much of her time to “Smile Train” and other benevolent causes. She crocheted afghan lap blankets for the hospital, and made hundreds of afghan blankets for everyone she knew, including scarves and mittens for the needy. She was also a prolific reader before sadly losing her vision.

Catherine is survived by her five children; Virginia Bator of Lincoln Park, Norman Gravino and his wife Jane of Oak Ridge, Mariann Bisaccia and her husband Albert of Lincoln Park, Michael Gravino and Lynn Lauber of Oak Ridge, and Kathryn Unger and her husband Steven of Wayne, ten grandchildren; John, Leanne, Catherine, Vito, James, Jessica, Mariann, Norman, Karyn, and Nickolas, twelve great-grandchildren; Owen, Mariann, Sarah, Jackson, Kendall, Leo, Caroline, Emily, Anna, Caitlin, Mae, and Oaklee, and one sister; Antonette Citro of Florida.  Catherine was predeceased by her beloved husband Norman in 2015, by her son-in-law, Jack Bator in 2009, and by two brothers; Bart and Louis DiPaola.

For those wishing to send flowers, the family asks that you order from Jude Anthony Florist, 973-694-5833, or visit their website at www.judeanthonyflorist.com.