Nicholas A. Catalina

Nicholas A. Catalina 89, of New Britain passed away peacefully on Monday February 12, 2018 at home. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Jurczak) Catalina. Nicholas was born in New Britain to the late Matthew and Catherine (Orlando). After graduating from CCSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1952 he began his teaching career in Burlington, CT as an elementary teacher. He married his wife of 63 years on June 26, 1954 at Holy Cross Church. He would return to New Britain 1957 and begin his teaching tenure first at Benjamin Franklin School, then to the North End School. He would return to school and receive his Master’s Degree from the University of Hartford in 1958 and later receive his 6th year at which time he became principal at the Smalley School. He was proud to be there when they demolished the original school and built the first prototype for a community school in New Britain. Nicholas loved to fish at the ocean in CT and RI, he was also was an avid gardener and loved to cultivate various kinds of tomatoes. He was a great handyman, building and enhancing his home for his family. Nicholas was the past president of the New Britain Lions Club, lectern at Holy Cross Church where he also taught CCD and was a faithful worker at their annual bazaar. He was also a member of the Holy Name Society at Holy Cross and a member of the Knights of Columbus. After his retirement in the late 80’s he spent many a beautiful day on the golf course and enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary. In addition to his wife, Nicholas is survived by his daughter Lynne Prairie of Plantsville, CT grandson Michael (Cynthia) Prairie, Jr of Orlando, FL, granddaughter Nicole (Brett) Peterson of Boston, MA, two great-grandchildren Avery and Calum Peterson. He was predeceased by his son Mark Catalina, Brother Richard Catalina and Sister Gloria Mariotti.

His funeral procession will leave the New Britain Memorial Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Ave., New Britain Friday morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Holy Cross Church, New Britain at 10:00. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Chapel, New Britain. The visiting hours will be Thursday from 4 to 7pm. For more information, directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.newbritainsagarino.com