Raymond L. Catenacci

Raymond L. Catenacci passed away October 8, 2022, he was born April 14, 1933.  He was the son of Angelo Catenacci and Elizabeth (Specht) Catenacci. He was born in Melrose Park, Illinois, the 10th of 11 children. Ray graduated from Proviso High School in Maywood, Illinois. He started college at Illinois State University, studying Industrial Arts and joining the Gamma Phi Circus as a tumbler. He met his future wife Nancy (nee Quimby) in the circus, and they married on April 17, 1954. But Ray’s college studies were interrupted when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as an infantry rifleman and squad leader. Returning to college after his term in the service, Ray completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts and entered the teaching profession.

Ray taught printing at Mooseheart High School, West Aurora High School, Aurora Central Catholic High School, and Aurora University. He was a member of the International Graphic Arts Education Association, where he served as Secretary for the Graphic Arts Teachers Association of Illinois. Ray was a Life Member of the Moose, Batavia Lodge.

In addition to his career in the teaching field, Ray was owner/operator of Sugar Grove Liquors in Sugar Grove, Illinois and his own printing business in Aurora, Illinois.

Ray and Nancy moved to Wisconsin in 1994, where they lived for 28 years. Ray enjoyed the wildlife that surrounded them, and he considered his property a wildlife sanctuary. Ray was an avid bowler, winning many trophies in the master’s Division of the Amateur Bowling Tour organization. He had two 299 games and one 300 game in his bowling career. He also bowled in local leagues, where his team was often the league champions for the season.

Ray is survived by his wife Nancy; four children Joy (Dennis) Deyo, Debra Allen, Janet (Geoffrey) Smith, and Mark (Kathryn) Catenacci; 8 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild; one brother Leslie Catenacci; one sister-in-law Kathleen Catenacci; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; son-in-law David Allen; 5 sisters and their spouses Margaret Louise (Alvin Courtney) (Charles) Muscarello, Sylvia (McArthur) Church, Anna (William) Jones, Della (Jack) Howes, and Betty (Earl) Frega; and 4 brothers and 3 of their spouses, Emmett (Shirley) Catenacci, Leo (Doris) Catenacci, Donald Catenacci, and LeRoy (Phyllis) Catenacci.

A private service for the immediate family was arranged by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva, Illinois.  A public Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 11 am -  3:00 pm at the St. Charles Moose Lodge, 2250 W. Rte. 38 (Lincoln Highway), St. Charles, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Ray’s honor to Moose International, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

For information please call 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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