John “Johnny” Joseph Catapano

Loving Father, Brother, Son, Uncle and Grandpa

John was born in Brooklyn NY on May 20th, 1947, to parents John and Louise Catapano. John was the middle child with an older brother Andrew Catapano and a younger sister Lorraine LeStrange, with whom he was uncle to their children Peyton Anne, Drew, Nicholas, Ryan and Kyle. John was known for having a strong relationship with his family, especially his mother Louise whom he adored. John and Louise were always by each other’s sides and are now reunited in heaven along with Johns beloved father John.

John enjoyed life and laughter, always trying to live life to its fullest. He was a good student and loved to learn. Loving to travel he also served in the US Army as a cook and enjoyed his time overseas in Germany. He furthered his education by majoring in History in college, wanting to become a history teacher. He then received his master’s degree in Psychology. His master’s degree gave him the opportunity to have a career in substance abuse and later a Director of drug and alcohol abuse in Smithtown.

John married his now ex-wife Linda Catapano who he had two children with, son Jonathun Catapano and younger daughter Allison Catapano. John was a great father, always being the funniest guy, they knew. He had the best sense of humor, silliest jokes and the best made up games and characters. He was someone to look up to and strive to be like.

John was also a lover of cars, sports, traveling and meeting new people. He had many friends in his younger years who enjoyed his humor and knack to have a good time.

John was also an accomplished marathon runner, running nine New York City marathons. He enjoyed working hard, running every day, pushing himself to be better and getting to that finish line. Even as he got older, he was still an avid athlete, always walking and running steps mile after mile. He loved being outside and being active.

John was a hard worker throughout his whole life. He was someone who you could admire and look up to. John retired at the age of 67 due to his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. He went onto move from his lifelong home in NY to Charleston SC to be closer to family and to hopefully enjoy his retirement.

John struggled with his disease and all that came with it. It was a daily fight for him the last couple years to enjoy his days as he often was waiting to feel better. He was one of the strongest men we will ever know, he fought a mental and physical battle every day, never showing his true vulnerability. He had a strong will to live and enjoy his beautiful grandchildren Olivia, Hannah, Joey, Avery and Ashlynn. His grandkids were the light of life, and they will greatly miss their dear Papa John.

Sadly, John passed away October 24, 2022, in his residence in Charleston due to his ongoing battle with his numerous health conditions. He will be greatly missed by all that loved him so dearly.