Anthony Catania Obituary

Catania, Anthony

Anthony Edward (Tony) Catania

March 16, 1942 - July 31, 2022

Anthony Edward (Tony) Catania passed away on July 31, 2022 after a brief illness. The third of nine children and father of seven daughters, Tony was inquisitive, loyal and enjoyed a good argument. He stayed true to these qualities throughout his life, along with his diehard commitment to the Cubs, the Bears and dry martinis, occasionally in combination. He was a crack bridge player with a futuristic sense of wonder stoked by Star Trek, Isaac Asimov and the Museum of Science and Industry. In ways large and small, Tony lived his 80 years with integrity, placing a premium on hard work, perseverance and dedication to family and community.

Tony was born to the late Pascuale (Frank) Francisco Catania and Francesca (Rose) Rosa Catania (nee Vizza) in Chicago on March 16, 1942. As a teen, he drove a delivery truck for Old Dutch Root Beer on Chicago's South Side. Co-owned by his father, it was one of the city's last independent bottlers. After graduating from St. Ignatius High School Tony attended John Carroll University, where he studied physics, mathematics and psychology, and participated in ROTC and the Pershing Rifles Drill Team. He earned his Bachelor of Science in mathematics and psychology from Loyola University Chicago in 1965.

While still in college, Tony landed a clerking job in the statistical-actuarial department at Kemper, an insurance and financial services firm. He stayed for 35 years, rising through the ranks from data processing systems and support officer to director of corporate planning, then to vice president of human resources and finally to vice president of group services for Kemper's commercial lines, a position he held until his retirement in 1998.

The next phase of Tony's life was given over to family, community service and tooling around in his dark green Chrysler Sebring convertible, top down, blasting Buddy Holly, Pavarotti and Crystal Gayle's "Do it All Over Again."

Highlights of his many community service commitments include president and director of Epilepsy Services for Northeastern Illinois, chairman of the St. James Stewardship Committee, president of the Crossings Homeowners Association in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and board member of the College of Lake County.

Tony was captivated by gadgets and gizmos. Much to the delight of his grandchildren (and himself), he transformed his basement into an elaborate play zone featuring an extensive Lionel train set, and later a modular Rokenbok construction system with interactive infrared-controlled vehicles.

When he wasn't in the basement he could often be found in the kitchen, where he spent many hours mastering his mom's mostaccioli with homemade meatballs and "gravy."

Tony is survived by his wife of 58 years, former Illinois State Representative Susan Kmetty Catania; daughter Susan Wigsmoen and husband Dave Wigsmoen, daughter Rachel Catania and husband Levon Karayan, daughter Sara Catania and husband Mark Nollinger, daughter Melissa Catania, daughter Amy Catania and partner Benjamin Kent, daughter Annemarie Catania, and daughter Margaret Catania and husband Wesley Williams; and grandchildren Andrew Wigsmoen, Alex Wigsmoen, Sophia Karayan, Remy Karayan, Lincoln Karayan, Genevieve Nollinger, Lucas Nollinger, Elijah Catania, Grace (Grey) Catania, Alice Catania, Francesca Catania, Omar Catania, Aviva Catania, Pascale Williams, Jean-Luc Williams, Claude Williams and wife Brenda Azueta, and great-grandchild Kamari Escobedo.

He is also survived by seven siblings: Francis Catania, Isabel Fitzpatrick, Angel Catania, Barbara Spanos, Patrick Catania, Michael Catania and Rosemarie Sula. He is predeceased by his brother Charles Catania and his parents.

A private celebration of Tony's life will be held in September. Friends who would like to attend: please contact a family member. In lieu of flowers please donate to Epilepsy Services for Northeastern Illinois or the charity of your choice.

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