Ralph Paul Catania

Surrounded by his loving family Ralph Paul Catania, 78, of Benton Harbor, was called to his glory on September 18, 2018 after suffering a massive heart attack at Lakeland Medical Center – St. Joseph. Those left to cherish his memories are his spouse Patrick Ebo Williams Catania; son, Colbert Williams; grandson, Nathan Williams; sisters, Janet (Jerry) Neville of Benton Harbor and Janice (Mike) Moore of Coloma; nieces, Rae Christine (Matt) Fast of Dearborn Heights and Shawn Zinninger of Berrien Springs; nephews, Steven Moore of Kalamazoo, Shannon Berndt of Benton Harbor, and Vincent Catania of Watervliet; great-nieces, Amber and Bethany Zinninger of Berrien Springs, and Valerie Berndt of Watervliet; great-nephew, Joseph Berndt of Watervliet; a host of cousins (especially his fellow jokester and cousin Jim Allen Catania of Bridgman); family members and many friends all over the world; and his mischievous but beloved dog, Lugarrd. Ralph was born in Chicago, IL on August 7, 1940 to Paul and Margaret Catania. The family moved to Benton Harbor in 1954. Ralph graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School, St. Joseph in 1958. He enlisted and served in the US Navy from 1959 to 1963. He went on to Detroit Barber College in 1965 and barbered in the Twin City area until 1975. He graduated from Lake Michigan College in 1973 with an Associate’s Degree. He continued his education at Western Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education in 1976 and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 1982. Ralph was employed by Benton Harbor Public School System from 1976 through 2006 in many capacities; Elementary Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Title 1 Teacher and Social Studies Consultant with the Curriculum Department. Ralph was a registered organ donor, member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Benton Harbor, the American Legion, Berrien Historical Society, Berrien County Genealogical Society and Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. Ralph greatly enjoyed volunteering at the Court Yard Café at Lakeland Hospital for seven years. Ralph lived a life of grace and wisdom. He loved fishing, cooking, learning, reading and family. He was well known for his kindness, high standards, positive attitude, great smile and his infectious laugh. Ralph loved life and lived it well. Ralph was proceeded in death by his parents, Paul and Margaret (Johnson) Catania; younger brother, Raymond Catania; nephew, Michael Moore; and great nephew, Arden Fast. The immediate family will receive friends and other family members from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, with a prayer service beginning at 7:30 PM, on Friday, September 28, 2018, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph. Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, it is Ralphs’s wish that donations be made to the Nathan Andrew Williams Educational Fund; payable to Colbert Williams. Those wishing to leave memorial contributions may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.