Sam R. Cataldo

Sam R. Cataldo,  84, of Bellaire, passed away on July 1, 2023.

   He was born on April 27, 1939, in Detroit, the son of Samuel and Lucy (LaPuma) Cataldo. Sam graduated from General Motors Institute (Kettering University) with a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and followed his passion for cars through a co-operative program at General Motors and a 41 year career at GM. Early in his career, he and Barbara J. Volansky met and married on September 9, 1966. They raised two daughters and had an amazing life in Clarkston, MI that continued when they retired and moved to Bellaire, MI in 1999.

Sam was a "car guy" and his hobbies and interests followed that passion. He was an avid car collector and enjoyed sharing special cars that he loved through collector shows. He also pursued other fun in life as a regular golfer, boating, music and spending time with family and friends that he loved. He had a unique sense of humor that he shared with his family and friends through his wisdom and guidance. He lived his life on his terms and will be greatly missed, but is loved by many.

Survived by his wife, Barbara Cataldo of Bellaire, his daughter Cristin Cataldo of Brighton, his granddaughters Maddie and Cristina Braucher of Ironwood, his sister Toni (Cataldo) Valenti of Colorado Springs, CO and son-in-law Rick Braucher of Ironwood and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents Sam and Lucy Cataldo of St. Clair shores and daughter Donna (Cataldo) Braucher of Ironwood.

Visitation will take place on Monday, July 10, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

   Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 11, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church in Bellaire with Fr. Matthew Cowan officiating.

   Interment will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery on Old Mission Point in Traverse City.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

   Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.