John Anthony Catalano Sr.

John Anthony Catalano Sr., resident of Tickfaw and native of Independence, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the age of 73. He was born on September 23, 1950, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of the late Anthony F. "Hallie" Catalano and Marianne Costa Catalano. John was a graduate of Independence High School Class of 1969 and he was part owner of his father's grocery store in Independence, Hallie's AG Food Mart. He was a graduate of LSU and SLU for firefighting, law enforcement, and the School of Forestry and Wildlife Conservation. John was a devoted public servant his whole life. He was a deputy sheriff for Tangipahoa Parish for over 20 years, a retired police officer with the Independence Police Department, and worked transport and security for Lallie Kemp Medical Center. John was a longtime member of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church and a very active member of his community. He joined and volunteered for a multitude of organizations including: Knights of Columbus Independence Council # 5627, St. Joseph and St. Mary Society, Board of Alderman - Town of Independence, Independence Jaycees, Independence Lions Club, American Federation of Police, NRA, and the Italian Society of Tangipahoa Parish. John was also a life-time member of the Independence Fire Department since 1968 and the Louisiana Fire Association. Most importantly, John loved hunting, fishing, and his family, which cherished most of all.

John is survived by his wife of 41 years, Toni Jean Coniglio Catalano; son, John A. Catalano Jr. and wife Mandi; grandchildren, Kallie, Riley, Parker, Maelie, and Opry; father and mother-in-law, Tony and Billie Jean Coniglio; brother-in-law, Butch Coniglio and wife Karen; and nieces and nephew, Angel, Amber, Cody, and Brittany.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Mary Giovingo Catalano and Frank and Lillie Schiro Costa.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors and staff of Hammond Nursing Home and North Oaks Medical Center for their compassionate care.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 8:00 am until 10:00 am. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, 620 3rd St., Independence, Louisiana 70443 on Saturday at 10:30 am, with Fr. Reuben Dykes officiating.

Interment will follow at Colonial Cemetery in Independence, Louisiana.

Pallbearers will be Butch Coniglio, Cody Coniglio, Parker Catalano, John Polito, Donnie Orlando, and Emile Musso.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.