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In memory of

James Charles Catalano

Rio Vista, CA, USA

August 10, 1946 - November 16, 2020

Aug 10, 1946 - Nov 16, 2020

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It is with great sorry that the family of James Charles Catalano announces his death on Monday November 16, 2020, at age 74. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Joyce Catalano, stepson Jason Snyder, and three children Ben, Derres, and Angie Catalano.

Born in San Francisco in 1946, “Jim” was a lifelong Bay Area resident, living in San Francisco, South Bay, and his final years in Solana County. A devoted civil servant, Jim joined the US Army after college, serving as a translator/interpreter during the Vietnam War. He then continued his civil service with the federal government, working as a revenue agent for the IRS and retiring after putting in over 30 years.

Those who knew him will remember his generous nature, love of music, and travel. His lifelong hobby was sailing, and Jim spent his leisurely hours sailing throughout the San Francisco Bay, often forcing family members to accompany him, or drafting new boat designs in his home office. In his early 30s he sailed from San Francisco to Hawaii, knocking off a “bucket list” item long before the phrase became popular.

Never accused of being short for words, Jim was a renowned storyteller and history buff. For a period of time he taught 10th grade church school at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, capturing his teenage audience with colorful detail of the Crusades and other topic that merged two main interests, history and religion.

James will be buried in the Sacramento Valley National Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday December 2, 2020, and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

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