Rudolph N. “Rudy” Catalone, 92, of E. Eschbach Rd, St. Marys, passed away Friday, April 25, 2025, at Penn Highlands Elk, surrounded by his family.

He was born June 17, 1932, in St. Marys, son of the late Rocco Catalone and Rose Caseino Catalone. He attended St. Marys Area schools.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” Lavella. They enjoyed over 60 years of love and laughter.

As a young man, Rudy co-owned the Texaco station in Emporium with his brother, Paul.

Proud to serve in the U.S. Army, Rudy was stationed at bases in Italy, Germany, England, & South Africa. Through his service, he was a proud class-A member of the American Legion Post 511, which he had been a loyal member of for almost 70 years.

You may remember Rudy behind the bar at Barney’s or later at the Three Sons, which he owned with his brothers, Bob and Rocky, while working at Stackpole Carbon Co. Always having a hustle on the side, he did various jobs such as laying foundations with his big brother, Mario.

Rudy was the proud owner of the Franklin Hotel for 15 years. This was truly a family endeavor with everyone chipping-in for whatever job needed to be done. He developed lifelong relationships though the Hotel; whether it was the local volleyball teams stopping after games, groups from Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital, Sylvania employees from Massachusetts, or random strangers whether they happened to be stopping by to view the Elk or conducting business in the area – many of whom became friends who could never forget him.

Gardening was a large part of his life. Canning peppers and eggplant was always an event on the patio. There was nothing better than freshly picked tomatoes that went into a tomato and cucumber salad or a simple tomato sandwich.

Rudy was a natural inventor, known for his resourceful fixes and creative inventions that amazed anyone who was witness to them. MacGyver would have been envious of the solutions that he dreamed up to make things work and make life easier. They always made for a good story.

Rudy is survived by seven children: Joseph “Joe” Catalone, Mary Catalone, Thomas “Tommy Jon” Catalone, and Suzanne “Suzie” Catalone, all of St. Marys, James “Jay” Catalone, of Kersey, Gwenn Catalone (Joe Scancella), of South Carolina, and Amy Dressler (Jared), of Lock Haven, PA; nine grandchildren who knew him as “Papa”: Rachel Catalone, Ranee Baker (Jaime), Mason Catalone, Giovanni Nicholas Catalone, ViviAnne Catalone, Angelo Catalone, Zachary Hefter, Gianna Dressler, Sofia Dressler; and two great grandchildren: Mia Brannen and Lyla Baker.He is also survived by two brothers: Ed Catalone of Hummelstown and Rocky Catalone (Sandy) of Palmyra; and four sisters: JoAnn Bauer (Tom) of St. Marys, Mary Lanshack of Weedville, Elizabeth “Betsy” Williams of St. Marys, Lucy Newton (Craig) of Hummelstown, three sisters-in-law: Betty Catalone (Bob), Hazel Luchini (Louis), and Loretta Lavella (Tony).

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by siblings Mario Catalone, Gabriel “Paul” Catalone, Virginia “Ginny” Skrzypek (Vince), Rita Mattivi (Johnny), Robert “Bob” Catalone, a brother in infancy, Joseph Catalone; and son-in-law, David Hefter (Mary).

Family and friends are invited to a visitation in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 3:00PM until 6:00PM.

Services and military honors will be held privately by the family with interment at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to the Dagus Mines American Legion Post 511, 196-198 Skyline Drive, Dagus Mines, PA 15831.