of 52 years, Gene Philip Catalano passed away just 13 days later on December 6 to join his
beloved wife and their infant son Philip Gene. A self described “army brat” Veda was born in
Paris, TX, was raised in Japan and France and graduated from Prince George High School in
Virginia. A New Jersey native, Gene was born in Atlantic City and grew up in Wanamassa
where he graduated from Asbury Park High School. He holds a Bachelor Degree from Xavier
University and graduated from the School of Management at the State University of New York in
Buffalo. Their lifelong relationship began in Fort Lee, VA in 1968 while Gene was serving as a
First Lieutenant in the United States Army. Gene and Veda married within 6 months of their
initial blind date and welcomed their pride and joy and only daughter, Lisa Dawn, in 1970 while
living in Buffalo, NY. In 1973 they moved to Plano, Texas where Gene continued his banking
career as Vice President and President at Plano Bank & Trust. Gene’s 2011 retirement followed
his beloved role as President of North Dallas Bank & Trust for 18 years.
Gene and Veda have been involved in numerous community endeavors over the years. They
served jointly on the Board of the American Cancer Society and Gene served as Chairman of
the Board of HCA Medical Center of Plano, and on the board of directors at Plano Chamber of
Commerce, Plano United Way, Plano Cultural Arts Council, the Library Board of Trustees and
was a long time member of the Plano Rotary Club. Gene received the Top Gun award
recognizing outstanding and prolonged service to The American Cancer Society. Veda was an
active member of The Plano Junior League where she volunteered on many committees.
Gene was an avid golfer since the age of 12. One of his greatest passions was sharing his love
of golf with his son-in-law, Brian, grandsons, Hunter and Tyler, and his countless friends. He will
be remembered for his kind heart, his giving spirit, and his enduring love for his family, friends
and beloved dogs. Veda never missed an opportunity to play bridge, canasta, read and shop.
Her fun loving spirit will always be cherished by her many friend groups, especially the
Sustainers, the Hoots and her travel buddies.
Gene and Veda are survived by their daughter Dawn (Brian) Tuite and grandsons Hunter Gene
and Tyler William Tuite of Greenwood Village, CO, brother Robert Catalano, sisters Diane
Catalano Taylor, Connie Kirby Yow and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
They were preceded in death by their son Philip Gene Catalano, parents Eleanor and Felix
Catalano, Reba and Darious Kirby and sister Janet Catalano D’Esposito.
A celebration of their lives will be held on January 20, 2021 at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew United
Methodist Church in Plano. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be made to the
Alzheimer’s Association or the American Diabetes Association
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18