CANANDAIGUA/WATERLOO- Richard J. Catanise, Sr., 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness on Sat. (June 1, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tues. (June 4) at Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home, LLC, 28 Genesee St., Geneva. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m Wed. (June 5) at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waterloo. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Waterloo with full military honors.

Contributions may be directed to the Wilmot Cancer Institute Advancement c/o Michael Fahy, 300 E River Road, PO Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627.

Richard was born on November 16, 1942, in Waterloo and was a son of the late Raymond and Regina (Clement) Catanise. He graduated from Waterloo High School Class of 1960. Richard proudly served in the United States Navy. He received a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University in Political Science. Richard had a successful professional career in business development and government affairs. He retired as a principal of Clough Harbor and Associates in 2006. He was an entrepreneur who owned many different businesses, including his current consulting firm, R.J. Catanise & Associates Consulting. He also served his community over the years, including service in the New York State Unified Court System, was a Fayette Town Justice and was very active in the Republican Party. He is also a former Board Member of Finger Lakes Health. In addition to being a man of faith, his most important roles in life were being a devoted husband, supportive father, and beloved Papa. Richard enjoyed many different things in life, but spending time with his family was his greatest joy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Elaine (Halladay) Catanise of Canandaigua; children, Jacqueline (Joseph, Sr.) Mull, of Waterloo, Brett (Jane) Catanise of Waterloo, Kara (Gregory) Halstead of Pittsford, and Richard (Lindsey) Catanise, Jr. of Watkinsville, GA; brother, Rev. Joseph Catanise of Rochester; sister, Candice Catanise of Rochester; uncle, Joseph (Janet) Clement of Springfield, VA; grandchildren, Joseph (Sarah) Mull, Jr., Joshua (Greyson) Mull, Jordan (Elizabeth) Mull, Heather, Hollyn, Nicolas, and John Halstead, and Benjamin, Samuel, and Thomas Catanise; great- grandchildren, Joseph III and Leo Mull, and Elijah Mull.

The family extends their sincere appreciation for the care Richard received from Dr. Jonathan Friedberg, Anna Morrison, RN and the entire team at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

A special thank you to the wonderful team on 8-3600 at Strong Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care, kindness and support.