George L. Catalano Sr.

George was born in Dunkirk, N.Y., on June 29, 1941, to Joseph and Carmella “Nellie” Catalano.

He was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, American Institute of Banking, The Bankers School of Agriculture, and Cornell University. On May 13, 1962, he married Maureen E. Karin. They were married for 52 years before her passing in July 2014.

George retired from M&T Bank in 1995 after a successful career as regional manager for Dunkirk, Fredonia, and Silver Creek as well as vice president. George joined Evans National Bank as vice president of the Hamburg office in 1995 and was promptly promoted to branch administrator, bank security, and a member of the bank’s operating committee. After a 45 year career in banking, he retired in 2004.

George was a member of the Silver Creek Board of Education and the Lake Shore Hospital board as treasurer. George served two terms as president of the Silver Creek Chamber of Commerce and was treasurer of the Dunkirk-Fredonia Lions Club for 50 years, earning the esteemed Melvin Jones award. George was also a member of the Evans-Brant Chamber of Commerce and the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. George was a member of the Evans National and St. Columban’s Retirement Home Advisory Boards. He was a founding member of the Silver Creek Festival of Grapes.

Along with serving on various committees in an administrative capacity, he was also active in the Knights of Columbus, Silver Creek Volunteer Fireman’s Association, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Dunkirk Jaycees, Silver Creek Kiwanis, Catholic Charities, Dunkirk and Silver Creek Little League Baseball, Dunkirk Rotary Club, IDA Seneca Nation of Indians and Chautauqua County Rehabilitation Facilities Corporation.

As a lifelong sports enthusiast, George devoted countless hours and resources on various projects such as funding and installation of lights and press box on the Silver Creek High School football field as well as a grass infield on the Barresi Little League baseball field.

George is survived by three of his children: Patricia (Loren) Smith, Jennifer (Michael) Serio and Lawrence (Christine) Catalano; devoted Son-in-law, Paul Bardo; eight grandchildren: Jordyn Bardo, Bradley Bardo, Brendan Bardo, Cameron Smith, Savannah Catalano, Rocco Catalano, Heather (Michael) Barone, and Nathan Serio; and his siblings: Mary Ann (Catalano) Corsoro and Louis (Phyllis) Catalano; brother and sister-in-law, Norman and Charlotte Karin. Also survived by his life-long classmates: Reg Corsi and Jack Jackino; and also his close neighborhood and Silver Creek friends.

George is preceded in death by his wife, Maureen (Karin) Catalano; infant son, Patrick Catalano; and daughter, Karin (Catalano) Bardo. As well as in-laws: Norman Sr. and Florence Karin, Samuel Corsoro and Susan and Michael Matesevac.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, Jan 9, from noon-3 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. Masks are required. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Silver Creek. Entombment will be in the Pieta Mausoleum of St. Mary’s Cemetery, Dunkirk.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s name to Tidewell Foundation- Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238. www.tidewell hospice.org

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