Joseph Catania

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Catania, age 90, of Wayne and formerly of Fort Lee, NJ.

Joseph passed away peacefully on Monday April 15, 2024, while receiving the loving care of his family. Joseph was born in Englewood, NJ and was raised in Fort Lee. He was the oldest of three sons to Salvatore and Josephine Catania. As a young man he attended Fort Lee High School where he excelled in academics, particularly science and mathematics. Following his graduation from Fort Lee High School with the class of 1952, Joseph attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. 

After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1956, Joseph quickly found employment with the multinational chemical company DuPont in the state of Delaware. Joseph worked for DuPont for approximately three years, then accepted a position as a Chemist with American Cyanamid in Pearl River, NY. Joseph’s career with American Cyanamid spanned a period of over forty-one years until his retirement in 2001. During his career, Joseph was truly respected and loved by his colleagues and peers. 

Joseph, a young man with a fondness for adventure, accompanied his friend to a church dance one evening. Amidst the lively atmosphere, Joseph was captivated by a girl named Barbara Steiner. The two hit it off from the start. As fate would have it, they fell in love and on August 25, 1962, Joseph and Barbara exchanged wedding vows and became husband and wife. The newlyweds honeymooned in the Poconos and settled in Fort Lee, NJ. The couple called Fort Lee their home for the next sixty years until moving to Wayne in 2021. While residing in Fort Lee, they welcomed the births of both their children, Paul and Rosemarie. 

Joseph always had an appetite for knowledge and found solace and inspiration in the pages of books that bridged the realms of science and spirituality. He was also an avid gardener, growing a variety of vegetables including tomatoes and zucchini. Joseph also treasured the challenging game of golf and was an extremely talented handyman, rewiring his entire home. In retirement, Joseph and Barbara enjoyed traveling. Their time traveling lead them to destinations throughout Europe, including a trip to his family’s homeland of Sicily. They also traveled to Bermuda, and the Mid-West United States visiting many National Parks.

Those who knew Joseph best, knew that aside from all his hobbies, talents, and interests, his greatest passion was for his family. Nothing in the world meant more to Joseph than providing for and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Joseph and Barbara cherished sixty-one years of loving and loyal marriage together. He was not only dedicated to his family, but also to his Christian faith. Joseph and his wife were members of the Wyckoff Assembly of God Church for many years. While members of the church, Joseph was an Elder and Treasurer, and was also a member of the Full Gospel Businessmen. 

Joseph, once a reserved and introspective individual in his youth, blossomed into a vibrant and outgoing personality as he matured through the years. Joseph took delight in teasing those he held dear, intertwining playful jokes and comments into the fabric of his relationships.

Joseph will be forever remembered as a loving husband, and a truly devoted father and grandfather. He touched the lives of everyone around him and will be sincerely missed by his family and friends. 

Joseph is survived by his wife Barbara Catania (nee Steiner) of Wayne, one son Paul Catania and his wife Carmel of Glen Rock, NJ, one daughter Rosemarie Kneis and her husband Ken of Wayne, NJ, one brother Salvatore Catania and his wife Marie of Fort Lee, NJ, four grandchildren; Ryan Catania of Glen Rock, NJ, Grace Catania of Glen Rock, NJ, Matthew Kneis of Wayne, NJ, and Amanda Kneis of Wayne, NJ, and three nieces; Jennifer Catania, Christine Catania, and Paulette Ulisse.  He was predeceased by his brother Emanuel Catania.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s name can be made to Alzheimer's New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Ave, Suite 203, Roseland , NJ 07068 or American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.