Ernest Catone Jr.

THe Bay Area News Group, 11/15/2008

Ernest Catone Jr., a loving father, husband, step-father, and grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at the age of 80.

Ernie was born and raised in San Leandro, California. His father and mother, Ernest and Adeline Catoni, had 4 children, of which Ernie was the eldest.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 5 years, Joan Catone, his children, Christina Catone and Dereck Catone, his siblings, Nadine Chacon, Richard Catone, and Suzanne Stefani, step-children, Frank Abigana, Lisa Romero, and Lori Hernandez, 12 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Ernie had a passion for Baseball. He was recruited by the San Francisco Seals, a professional baseball team in 1946 and later transferred to the St. Louis Browns.

He joined the Armed Forces in 1950 and served his country for 6 years in the Army. Ernie spent 43 years in service to the city of San Leandro as a Building Facilities Manager being instrumental in building and designing some of beautiful parks throughout the City.

Ernie and Velda Jo "Jody" were married in 1953 and had a daughter, Christina Catone, and a son, Dereck Catone. They moved to Modesto in 1974. Ernie retired from the City of San Leandro in 1991.

After 47 years of marriage, Jody passed away in July, 2000. Ernie's passion for baseball and sports was extended to coaching little league for many years and community involvement with the Special Olympics. Always the active one, Ernie played Senior Baseball for the San Leandro Old Timers and in the Modesto Seniors League. Ernie met the second love of his life, Joan Catone, and the couple married in May, 2004.

Ernie became the wonderful step-father to Frank Abigana, Lisa Romero, and Lori Hernandez and the adored grandfather to 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Ernie brought joy to everyone he was around. His love for life, children and family was contagious. His grandchildren brought him so much joy and lots of laughter. He has touched these lives so deeply, he will never be forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 12:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2008, and a service to honor his life on Monday, November 17, 2008 at 11:30a.m. at Santos-Robinson Mortuary in San Leandro (510-483-0123).

After the service, Ernie will be laid to rest at Holy Sepluchre in Hayward, CA. SANTOS-ROBINSON MORTUARY SAN LEANDRO 510-483-0123 www.santos-robinson.com