Jennie A. Catania, a Newburgh Resident, Dies at 92

Jennie A. Catania, of Newburgh, NY, formerly of Boyton Beach, FL, entered into rest on Wednesday, March 29, 2017. She was 92. The daughter of the late Francesco and Clementina (Calcagno) Ruotolo, she was born January 6, 1925 in Newburgh. She was married to the late Leonard Catania, who predeceased her in 1998.

Jennie attended Newburgh Schools and was a graduate of Newburgh Free Academy. She was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Newburgh, Knights of Columbus in Hollywood, FL, Schott Communities for the Deaf in Hollywood, FL, and served on the event committee at Bent Tree Village, Boyton Beach, FL.

Mom loved participating in all types of games, such as bocce, cards, dominos and anything she could compete in. But most important to her was being surrounded by her family. She was well known for her hospitality, welcoming newcomers to her community and bringing baked goodies to where ever she went.

We would like to express our gratitude to Promenade Senior Center, especially the Director, Linda O’Donnell, for her loving care for Mom. Dr. Ivette Torres, whose gentle caring way made Mom feel special. Also, her nephew, Dean Zambito, who always went above and beyond to be there for her and us.

She is survived by her children, Jacqueline Dieckhaus and her husband Fred of Plantation, FL, Paul Catania and his wife Fran of Marlboro, and Diane Furlong and her husband John of Newburgh; her sisters, Frances Zambito and Rachel Fitzgibbons; grandchildren, Jason Weiss and his wife Erica of Del Ray Beach, FL, Kristie and her husband Ryan Newman of Lone Tree, CO, Nicholas Catania of Marlboro, and Patrick Furlong of Newburgh; great-grandchildren, Michelia and Lillianna Newman and Maddox Weiss; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her son Leonard, her sisters, Anna Mekeel, Carmella Moroney and June McKnight; and her brother Frank Ruotolo.

Memorial visitation will be held from 2-5 pm on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday, April 3 at Sacred Heart Church, Newburgh, with burial following in Mt. St. Francis Cemetery, New Windsor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate