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Tribute
Frank Joseph "FJ" Catalena, 77, was born to Frances Patranella Catalena and D.D. Catalena in Steele Store, Texas. At a young age, the family moved closer to the Bryan City limits. F.J. attended Bryan elementary schools and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1961. F.J. graduated from Allen Academy Junior College with an Associate Arts Degree. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970 and a Master of Education degree in 1974 from Texas A&M University.
F.J. worked as a social studies teacher at Ben Milam Elementary School. He was a manager at the Texas A&M Bookstore, and retired from the Logistics Services at Texas A&M. He especially had a knowledge and love of languages. He was fluent in both Spanish and Italian. His sons called him "the walking dictionary and grammar book."
F.J. married Maria Goodner, of Houston, Texas, in 1969. He and Maria enjoyed travelling to Italy several times before their boys were born. However, their sons, Chris and Mark were the joys of their lives. They enjoyed every aspect of parenthood, from ballparks to piano recitals.
F.J. was preceded in death by his parents, D.D. and Frances Catalena.
He is survived by his wife, Maria Goodner; his brother, Bill Catalena and wife, Olga, of Bryan, TX; his son, Jon Christopher Catalena of Malibu, CA; his son, Mark Joseph Catalena and wife, Angie; grandsons, Gabriel and Damian Silvey of Bryan, TX; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In light of the COVID-19 virus, services will be private at Hillier, with live streaming available through F.J.'s tribute page at www.HillierFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church or St. Joseph Catholic School of Bryan, Texas.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of F.J. Catalena, please visit our floral store.
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Gilbert Camarillo
My deepest condolenses to the Catalina family, FJ and I played a lot of baseball together and a little football in Jr high. Fond memories of FJ, a friend indeed. Also, worked with his brother Billy Don at the post office. RIP FJ.
James Piccolo
I am saddened by the passing of F. J.. We did a lot of things together in junior high and high school; played sports, hunted, studied together, a fun guy to be with.
Gilbert Adams
My condolences to Billy Don and all the Catalina family, FJ and I both from Steele Store lived about less than a 1/4 of a mile from my home, we played softball for Mr Edge at Ben Milam so when his Mom would come and pick him up she would take me home too. I would see FJ sometimes at Walmart and we stop and talk always enjoyed seeing him. He was one of my best friends RIP !!!