Mike "Pops" Catanese

Mike was born in the Fordham section of the Bronx to Salvatore & Virginia (Gentile) Catanese. He had 1 sister Beatrice who sadly passed a few years ago.

He was hard worker throughout his life. As a teenager he worked in Rye Playland. He joined the US Marines and proudly served our country during the Vietnam war.

Mike worked for Con Edison for 17 years. He was very happy working for Con Ed, and had some extraordinary stories.

In the 70s he met his first wife Rose (Regan), originally from Ballaghadereen, Co. Roscommon. They met in a restaurant in NYC. Mike’s beloved Rose, brought with her huge extended “Irish” family. Rose’s family became Mike’s best friends. He became the favourite Uncle of all his Nieces & Nephews who have always thought so fondly of him.

In the Fall of 1982, Mike and Rose welcomed their beloved son Michael Patrick. Michael Patrick was cherished and adored by Mike and Rose. They began their new family life in Englewood, NJ. Soon after Michael was born Rose was diagnosed with Cancer. Heartbreakingly, Rose passed away in April 1986.

Mike moved to New Jersey after Rose passed away to be closer with his family Bea & Fran. During this time Mike met Patricia “Pat” Florio, daughter of Joseph Anthony & Rosemarie (Schimizzi). Michael Patrick introduced Mike to Pat. Michael Patrick fondly remembers playing video games at The Florio Family’s Pizzaria, where Pat used to give him free quarters, and one day he said to his father “Dad you have to meet this nice lady who gives me all the free quarters”. Mike & Pat married in July 1989. Soon their fate would change and an offer to move to San Antonio presented itself. Pat was asked by her parents to move to San Antonio and help with the new family restaurant.

Mike loved to work in the Florio’s family restaurant where he would make the dough and spend time with customers. His other passion was driving. No journey was too long for him. He would drive hundred’s of miles in a day as a charted bus driver.

This past June his beloved son Michael Patrick married the love of his life Liz Gutierrez. Mike unselfishly did not reveal he was sick, as he wanted his only son to enjoy his wedding to his bride.

Mike & Liz formed a great bond as Father-in-Law & Daughter-in-Law.

Mike will be forever remembered as a selfless, caring and loving with the biggest heart of gold. He is loved by many.

A visitation for Mike will be held Sunday, August 13th 2023 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 North Loop 1604 East, San Antono, TX. The funeral service will be held at 2:00pm with a continued reception to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetNorthFuneralHome.com for the Catanese family.