He was born on June 19, 1949, to his parents Carmela Peraino and Michael William Catena in Hackensack. He grew up in Lodi. He lived the majority of his adult life in Elmwood Park and was a Hackensack school teacher for 33 years. He was determined to see his students succeed inside and outside of the classroom. He had a passion for playing the guitar, as well as teaching it. He also enjoyed writing poetry, playing and teaching tennis and soaking up all the beauty nature had to offer him.
He is survived by his daughters, Marisa Catena Reis and Michele Catena; his girlfriend, Marguerite Marchitelli; his sisters, Angela Alonso (Gene) and Rosemary Roche (David).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carmela Peraino and Michael William Catena.
The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Patrick J. Conte Funeral Home at 8:30 a.m. Mass will follow at 9:30 a.m. at St. Leo’s Church in Elmwood Park. Cremation will be private.
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