Giuseppe Cataldo

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, father, and Nonno, Giuseppe “Joe” Cataldo, on December 1, 2024, at 6:56 a.m. Giuseppe was born on September 21, 1938, in Gerace, Italy, to his parents, Antonio and Antonia (Racca) Cataldo. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sisters Teresa, Concetta, Rosa, and Guiseppina, and his brothers Pietro, Domenico and Gesumino.

Giuseppe moved to the United States in 1972 in pursuit of the American dream. He met his wife, Melodie, while she was working at McDonald's. He courted her by driving down Main Street, playing the horn on his Monte Carlo, which blared "La Cucaracha." Giuseppe and Melodie were married on February 4, 1978, at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Elkhart, Indiana. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, as well as their two children: Angela (Jesse) Strycker of Athens, Ohio, and Carmela (Eric) Cowdrey of Bristol, Indiana. He is also survived by his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Dylan and Ava Cowdrey, and Archer Strycker. He is survived by two sisters, Carmela in Gerace, Italy, and Maria in Brescia, Italy as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Italy. Additionally, we cannot forget his two beloved cats, Lucy and Snookie, who already miss him dearly.

While to others, he may have appeared to have a gruff exterior, he was the first one to give you the shirt off his back. He passed on many interests, qualities, and principles to his children and grandchildren that will be forever appreciated. He exemplified the importance of hard work and having a strong work ethic. Giuseppe worked from his teens until his late 70s as a plasterer and stucco worker, a trade that made him well-known in the Northern Indiana area. He also had a wonderful and sarcastic sense of humor that will always be remembered. He was an avid gardener and a wonderful cook. His recipes will be passed on through the generations. One of the funniest lessons he taught his daughter Carmela was, “Never trust a man over 6 months old.” While it seemed no man would ever be good enough for his daughters, he developed a true love and appreciation for his sons-in-law, Jesse and Eric.

His love of soccer and Juventus has been passed down to his grandson Dylan, who will attend a training camp in the spring at Juventus in Torino, Italy, where Giuseppe worked as a young man.

He was a humble man who often reminded us that possessions aren’t the most important things to focus on. His Catholic faith was very important to him, and he was an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church until his passing.

Per his wishes, there will be no viewing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Friday, December 6, 2024 at St. Thomas the Apostle, 1331 N. Main St., Elkhart, IN, with Father Logan Parrish officiating. A private burial will follow at St. Vincent’s Catholic Cemetery in Elkhart.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart, who provided compassionate and dignified care in his final days. Given his love of animals, donations in his name may also be made to The Elkhart Humane Society.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website.

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