Frank Catanese

Frank Catanese, 87, passed away March 5, 2014. A retired Engineer and a Navy World War II Veteran who served on the LCI 569.

Survived by his daughter, Mary F. Catanese. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, who passed away July 19, 1997 and his son, James, who passed away July 20, 2002. He has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service, Friday, March 14, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Newcomer Funeral Home - West Metro Chapel. Rev. Martin Hunckler, officiating. Inurnment will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area/Shelter "B" at 11:30 AM. Military Honors by the United States Navy and the All Veterans Honor Guard.

Eulogy for Frank Catanese, My Grandpa

Today we aren't just burying my grandfather, we are burying my mentor and my hero. I can't help but miss him. I go from periods of being fine to being an emotional fool and it's all because of him. I've felt a little lost over the past few days without him.

I know God will send me another mentor to keep me strong. But he won't be Grandpa. He won't build me a toy skateboard, basketball hoop or clubhouse out of spare parts from the garage. He won't challenge me to get good remarks in school or do well in sports…not like grandpa

He was the leader of our family. He and grandma helped raise us through the years. Speaking of grandma, they shared 50 years together. You just don't see that as often these days. I'm grateful for that example in my life.

Grandpa leaves behind the mark of a craftsman. Not because of his craftsman tool collection but his ability to create things. We learned home improvement at early stages in our lives from Grandpa. If he wasn't leading the project he was the designated supervisor, which is a role he embraced quite well.

He was an Engineer at Johns Manville 31 years. He's been a member of the quarter century club at Johns Manville since his retirement in 1982. While working at JM he put himself through college to receive his engineering degree. Thank you for your hard work!

Losing my grandpa makes me long for his appearing like never before, just so I can see him again. We all long for his appearing. Yet, I don't mourn with without hope. I have hope, I mourn because I miss my grandfather dearly, but knowing I will see him again someday.

Grandpa was in the Navy during WWII serving on the LCI 569. In the Navy when a sailor retires, he is brought ashore for the last time with the following statement, which I have modified for today:

"Aye mates, for 87 years this man has stood watch. While some of us were in school learning our trade, this man has stood the watch. Yes...even before some of us were born into this world, this mate stood the watch…today we are here to say, shipmate the watch stands relieved. Relieved by those you have trained, guided and led. Shipmate you stand relieved."

My grandpa stood the watch for all of us for 87 years. He trained me and others, challenged us, to be strong and lead by example. Grandpa, you stand relieved. We have the watch.