Obituary for Walter C. "Wally" Catallo
WATERFORD Walter “Wally” Catallo - 92, died peacefully September 1, 2022 at home with his family, comforted not only with the knowledge of living a long and happy life, but that in death he would be reunited with his beautiful wife Fay.
Wally was a lifelong resident of Waterford. He was the sixth son and eighth child of Orazio and Loretta (Villa) Catallo, both Italian immigrants.
After graduating from Waterford High School, he honorably served in the US Marine Corps with the Able Co 1 st Battalion 5 th Regiment. He fought in the Korean War earning a Korean Service Medal with Four Battle Stars and a Marksman Rifle Badge. He was wounded in North Korea and received the Purple Heart. He was also the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and The Presidential Unit Citation.
Upon returning home from the war, he went to work for the US Post Office in 1952 and after 33 years, retired as Postmaster in 1985.
He became a member of the Kavanaugh Hook & Ladder Fire Co in 1952. He was an honorary member of the Halfmoon-Waterford Fire Co and served 23 years as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Halfmoon-Waterford Fire District. He was a life member of the Halfmoon American Legion Post #1450.
In 1959 he married the love of his life, Fay Law and together had six children. Left with many wonderful memories are Dawn Bunnell (Rick), Anita, Yvonne, Laura Greco (Jeff), Kara and Dario Catallo (Kim, his FDIL) of Willow Spring, NC. He was the proud grandfather of Corrie and Nathan Catallo (Jenn), Dustin Greco (Ruby), Sarah Greco, Vanessa and Chaz Catallo. He was great grandfather to Elliana and Everett Catallo and although they may not have many memories of their papa, he hopes they grow up knowing how much happiness they brought him.
He was predeceased by his wife Fay in 2014, great grandson Evan, all his brothers and sisters, Anthony, Elizabeth (LaFond), Guerino, Lena (Decker), Merico, Feody, David and Anne (Gabriel).
He is survived by in laws Ruby Catallo, Gloria Catallo, and Dominick Gabriel, cousin Tom (Bruno) Catallo, several nieces and nephews, godchildren and many friends old and new he met along life’s path.
Wally was a life-long communicant of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church in Waterford. He was devoted to his family and a firm believer in God. He strived for his children to know God as well, by providing them with a faith-based education.
Well known by his neighbors for his gardening, he enjoyed planting vegetables as much as sharing them. Other hobbies included genealogy, collecting stamps and coins, and his favorite card games – Gin Rummy and Pinochle. He taught all his kids how to play cards. Wally was an avid reader and a lover of music. He wasn’t afraid to belt out a tune when he felt like it – wherever he was. He loved when his granddaughters cooked for him, golfing with his son and grandsons, and a good chuckwagon story. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and enjoyed spending time in Italy and meeting relatives. The past serval years Wally took an interest in traveling to the National Parks, and to date had been to 12 of them. Even though he was often heard saying “I don’t know what you girls are getting me into!”, he thoroughly enjoyed these adventures with his daughters and seeing so much of this beautiful country.
As his children, each of us will carry the happy memories of his kind and gentle spirit, the love he had for our mother, the big Sunday dinners, camping trips to Lake Bomoseen, games of kick the can and hide and seek, saying our prayers at night, road trips for ice cream, picnics and A&W Root Beer and so much more. As his daughters, each of us know how special it was to dance our first dance on his feet, to #114 on the song sheet – Daddy’s Little Girl.
The family would like to give their deepest and sincerest thanks to Dr. Syed Medhi, Nicole and Patty at the VA Hospital for all the wonderful care they provided over the years and to Saratoga Hospice for their care and compassion.
Funeral services will be Monday Sept. 12, 2022 at 10 am from the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, 133 Broad St. (Rte.32), Waterford and at 10:30 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Waterford. Interment WITH Military Honors will follow at Saratoga National Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home on Sunday Sept. 11 from 2-6 pm.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Mary of the Assumption Church Restoration Fund, 119 Broad St., Waterford, NY 12188.
Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not ended.
Wally was a lifelong resident of Waterford. He was the sixth son and eighth child of Orazio and Loretta (Villa) Catallo, both Italian immigrants.
After graduating from Waterford High School, he honorably served in the US Marine Corps with the Able Co 1 st Battalion 5 th Regiment. He fought in the Korean War earning a Korean Service Medal with Four Battle Stars and a Marksman Rifle Badge. He was wounded in North Korea and received the Purple Heart. He was also the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and The Presidential Unit Citation.
Upon returning home from the war, he went to work for the US Post Office in 1952 and after 33 years, retired as Postmaster in 1985.
He became a member of the Kavanaugh Hook & Ladder Fire Co in 1952. He was an honorary member of the Halfmoon-Waterford Fire Co and served 23 years as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Halfmoon-Waterford Fire District. He was a life member of the Halfmoon American Legion Post #1450.
In 1959 he married the love of his life, Fay Law and together had six children. Left with many wonderful memories are Dawn Bunnell (Rick), Anita, Yvonne, Laura Greco (Jeff), Kara and Dario Catallo (Kim, his FDIL) of Willow Spring, NC. He was the proud grandfather of Corrie and Nathan Catallo (Jenn), Dustin Greco (Ruby), Sarah Greco, Vanessa and Chaz Catallo. He was great grandfather to Elliana and Everett Catallo and although they may not have many memories of their papa, he hopes they grow up knowing how much happiness they brought him.
He was predeceased by his wife Fay in 2014, great grandson Evan, all his brothers and sisters, Anthony, Elizabeth (LaFond), Guerino, Lena (Decker), Merico, Feody, David and Anne (Gabriel).
He is survived by in laws Ruby Catallo, Gloria Catallo, and Dominick Gabriel, cousin Tom (Bruno) Catallo, several nieces and nephews, godchildren and many friends old and new he met along life’s path.
Wally was a life-long communicant of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church in Waterford. He was devoted to his family and a firm believer in God. He strived for his children to know God as well, by providing them with a faith-based education.
Well known by his neighbors for his gardening, he enjoyed planting vegetables as much as sharing them. Other hobbies included genealogy, collecting stamps and coins, and his favorite card games – Gin Rummy and Pinochle. He taught all his kids how to play cards. Wally was an avid reader and a lover of music. He wasn’t afraid to belt out a tune when he felt like it – wherever he was. He loved when his granddaughters cooked for him, golfing with his son and grandsons, and a good chuckwagon story. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and enjoyed spending time in Italy and meeting relatives. The past serval years Wally took an interest in traveling to the National Parks, and to date had been to 12 of them. Even though he was often heard saying “I don’t know what you girls are getting me into!”, he thoroughly enjoyed these adventures with his daughters and seeing so much of this beautiful country.
As his children, each of us will carry the happy memories of his kind and gentle spirit, the love he had for our mother, the big Sunday dinners, camping trips to Lake Bomoseen, games of kick the can and hide and seek, saying our prayers at night, road trips for ice cream, picnics and A&W Root Beer and so much more. As his daughters, each of us know how special it was to dance our first dance on his feet, to #114 on the song sheet – Daddy’s Little Girl.
The family would like to give their deepest and sincerest thanks to Dr. Syed Medhi, Nicole and Patty at the VA Hospital for all the wonderful care they provided over the years and to Saratoga Hospice for their care and compassion.
Funeral services will be Monday Sept. 12, 2022 at 10 am from the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, 133 Broad St. (Rte.32), Waterford and at 10:30 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Waterford. Interment WITH Military Honors will follow at Saratoga National Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home on Sunday Sept. 11 from 2-6 pm.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Mary of the Assumption Church Restoration Fund, 119 Broad St., Waterford, NY 12188.
Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not ended.