He is the beloved husband for 67 years to Susan; Loving father of Cathy Orzel (David) of Chesterfield, James Catalina (Julie) of Macomb, Linda Popko (David) of Macomb and David Catalina (Vickie) of Chesterfield, Adored grandfather of 14 and Treasured great-grandfather of 15, with one still on the way. Tom was born in Detroit on February 11, 1933, to James and Evelyn Catalina.
He pursued his Bachelor’s degree with Wayne State University and later completed his Master’s degree at the University of Michigan. Tom worked for the Detroit Public School system as a teacher at Hutchinson Elementary School and Joseph W. Guyton Elementary School, originally teaching science and math.
Teaching was not his only adventure in life. He loved horses and spent time with his family during the summer working on a horse ranch. He was a very talented painter and remained active playing tennis and golf well into his 80s. He loved Detroit sports, specifically the Tigers and Red Wings.
Tom was a devout Catholic, his faith was very important to him. Tom loved to learn new things throughout his life. He was a signature away from obtaining his pilot’s license. Tom and his wife, Susan, whom he adored, traveled extensively. They loved to cruise. If you caught him amidst a conversation, he was most likely chatting about sports, his kids, or the grandkids. He lived a wonderful life and will be deeply missed.
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023, from 3-8pm with a rosary service at 7pm at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, Michigan. Instate will follow on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 9:30am until the funeral mass at 10am at St. Paul of Tarsus Catholic Church, Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township, Michigan.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the Catalina family at resurrectionfuneralhome.com.
