Bolivia, North Carolina- Mr. Joseph John Catanzaro died Saturday, March 7, 2020 peacefully in his home, surrounded by his beloved wife and family by his side. He was 81 years young. Joe was born December 7, 1938 in Garfield, New Jersey to Susan Catanzaro and Joseph J. Catanzaro. He attended Garfield High School and Fairleigh Dickenson University earning a bachelor’s degree. He resided in Sparta, NJ from1973 to 1982, Chatham, NJ in the eighties until his wife Eleanor and him moved to their treasured retirement home in Bolivia, NC in 2012.

Joe had careers in both Pharmaceutical Sales and later as a Financial Planner. His career gave him a great deal of joy, ensuring that his clients/friends were prepared for life events. He was a member of American Society of Clinical Pathology accredited with an MLT. Joe was President of the Jaycees in Garfield, NJ as well as a State and International Senator for the organization. Joe was a longtime member Bayern Verein of Newark New Jersey. He supported the organization and traveled extensively with this group of friends.

Joe was a gregarious man, making many lifelong friends along the way. He had a passion for football, whether it was high school, college or pro. Joe could enlighten you on all the best players, what was done well or could have been done better. His love stemmed from his own notable achievements on the gridiron at Garfield High. He also had a great appreciation for the ocean and beach. He and his wife would relish their time to sink their feet in the sand and warm themselves in the rays of the sun.

Predeceasing him is his mother; Susan Catanzaro, father- Joseph Catanzaro, brother- Vincent Catanzaro. Joe is survived by his cherished wife Eleanor Catanzaro (nee-Koelmel), and brother Evans Catanzaro and wife Terri-Lynn. His children; son-Eugene Catanzaro and wife Kathleen, daughter-Susan Catanzaro, daughter-Margaret Cook-Fiori and husband Eric Fiori, son-Erich Cook and wife Amy, son-Gregory Rogers and wife Bonita. His four prized grandchildren, Timothy Walsh, Andrea Cook, Erich Cook Jr., and Christopher Cook, and, as well as his adored cousins Ninfa Dicristina and Sunday Lanza.

Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, Scared Heart in Southport, NC Friday, March 20, 2020 at 12:00 pm. On Saturday, March 21, 2020 starting at 1pm, a Celebration of Life will be held at the community center of Palmetto Creek of the Carolinas 1186 Turnata Drive Bolivia, NC 28422. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Liberty HomeCare & Hospice Services 1120 Ocean Hwy W Suite E, Supply, NC 28462.

On line condolences may be sent to www.brunswickfuneralservice.com

Brunswick Funeral Service Southport/Oak Island Chapel