Salvatore "Sam" Anthony Catapano

Salvatore Anthony Catapano, known to family and friends as “Sam” or “Deacon Sam” passed away on March 31, 2018, at the age of 84 years, at his home in Wayzata, MN.  Sam was born on February 4, 1934 in Buffalo, NY, the oldest son to Samuel and Carmella Catapano.  It was in Buffalo where he met the love of his life, the late Ann Marie Catapano.  They married on July 28, 1956.  Sam earned a degree in Business Administration from Canisius College.  During Sam’s college years he worked for General Mills in the grain elevators.  In 1956 he joined the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Fort Jackson, SC.  He was a member of the 29th Infantry Division and earned the rank of Captain.   After the Army, Sam and Ann moved back to Buffalo, NY where he rejoined General Mills and began a successful 44-year career.  He held numerous finance positions based in Buffalo, Chicago and eventually to headquarters in Minneapolis.  During his career he also volunteered his time helping graduates and young professionals with career counseling and mentoring.  In 1998 Sam retired as Vice President, Director of Auditing.

Sam had an abiding faith in and love for the Catholic Church. He and Ann were active parishioners at Holy Name of Jesus for 44 years.  Upon retirement, Sam and Ann completed the Diaconate Formation Program through The St. Paul Seminary.  After Ann’s death in 2005, Sam found great comfort and solace in serving the community members of Holy Name as Deacon, School Chaplain and Director of Faith Formation.  His guiding principle was his strong belief in acceptance of all people and unconditional love.  Through his ministry, he touched the lives of many people by celebrating mass each week, counseling parish members, participating in many weddings, baptisms, funerals, and working with the youth of the parish.

Sam had a wonderful sense of humor and will always be remembered for his quick wit.  He also had a passion for food, especially for Ann’s cooking.  In true Italian fashion, he enjoyed savoring long meals while sitting with family and friends.  All were welcome in Sam and Ann's home and around their table.

Sam is survived by his children: Ann Marie (Steve), Sam (Lynette), Joanne (Dawn), Marianne (Keith), Rozanne (Timm), Dianne (Matt); and grandchildren, Alex, Anna, Alisa, Hanna, Samuel, Anne and Francesca; sisters-in-law Irene (Joseph) and Lila; and many other loving relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife , Ann, brother, Michael and parents , Samuel and Carmella.

The family thanks the staff at Folkestone Presbyterian Homes and especially Optage Hospice for the care and comfort they provided Sam.

Prayer Service 7:30 pm Friday at church.

Visitation also 1 hour prior to Mass at church. Interment Holy Name Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Sharing to Sharing and Caring Hands.

Friday, April 6, 2018 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus 155 County Road 24, Medina, MN 55391

Prayer Service 7:30 pm Friday at church.

Saturday, April 7, 2018 11:00 AM

The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus 155 County Road 24 Medina, MN 55391

Visitation also 1 hour prior to Mass at church. Interment Holy Name Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Sharing to Sharing and Caring Hands.