Patricia L. Catalone, 84, of St. Marys, PA, passed away peacefully July 24th, 2018, at her residence, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
She was born May 4, 1934 in Coal Hollow, daughter of the late Victor Lavella and Edith Angelo Lavella. She was a lifelong resident of the area, and was a graduate of Kersey High School, Class of 1952. She never missed a class reunion, always looking forward to seeing her classmates.
Patty is survived by the love of her life, Rudy Catalone, with whom she recently celebrated their 60th wedding Anniversary; her three sons, Joe and Tom, of St. Marys, and James, of Kersey; four daughters, Mary and Sue Catalone, of St. Marys, Gwenn Catalone (Joe Scancella), of Fort Mill, SC, and Amy Dressler (Jared Dressler), of Lock Haven, PA; nine grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her big sister, Hazel Luchini (Louis), and brother, George Lavella (Helen), sisters-in-law, Loretta and Miriam Lavella, and many, many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Patty was preceded in death by her brothers, Victor (Bud) Lavella Jr., and Anthony (Tony) Lavella.
After completing High School, she convinced three of her classmates to drive to Florida for the trip of a lifetime. They have since been known to her kids as the “Florida Girls” when they met up for many lunches after their retirements.
Patty worked at Pure Carbon until she started her family. She later worked at Carbon City.
She was an owner at the Three Sons and The Franklin Hotel where she spent countless hours planning daily specials, or commanding the conversation at the Round Table.
Patty was an avid bowler. In 1984 she was the winner of the St. Marys Women’s Bowling Association with a series of 528-510-599, singles winner with 701, and top Team with the 11 O’clock Girls.
Patty was an accomplished seamstress. She found a way to repair any piece of clothing that you gave to her, whether it was your favorite pair of ripped jeans, a stuck zipper, or pants that needed taken in or hemmed. She created countless costumes for school plays for her kids and grandkids, communion dresses, and her youngest daughter, Amy’s, wedding dress.
Patty was a long time fan of the Buffalo Bills. She was a tireless cheerleader every game day in her Bills sweatshirt. She was always a baseball fan, too. She watched every game to the end, no matter how many innings they went.
If it was Sunday you could be sure to find Patty at one of the local clubs dancing. She loved her Polka Booster Club, serving as Treasurer for 25 years. She was proud of the bands they were able to bring to the area for dances. She loved organizing the band schedule, the Annual Picnic, the 50/50s, and everything in between.
Visitation is at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA, on Friday, July 27th from 5:00 pm until 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Boniface Church, 355 Main Street, Kersey, PA, on Saturday, July 28th at 10 am, with the Rev. Ross Miceli, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery for the immediate family.
Patty always said “Don’t wait to bring me flowers or gifts when I’m dead,” so please send any memorials to St. Marys Community Nurses, Hospice, 757 Johnsonburg Road, Suite 200, St. Marys, PA 15857.