Obituaries

Michael Catrone, age 92, of West Scranton and formerly of Washington D.C. died Friday at Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit, Dunmore.
Raised in West Scranton, son of the late James and Lucy Agnone Catrone, Michael was proud of his heritage and where he came from. Raised with the old “9th Street Gang” of immigrants who came to this great nation with nothing, their rise from poverty to prominence and wealth endowed him with a strong work ethic he carried all the days of his life.
A proud and decorated Army Air Force Technical Sergeant of WWII and a member of the “Famous Flying Eight Air Force”, through 36 completed missions over France and Germany where he earned countless awards, medals and ribbons, before receiving an Honorable Discharge from service in 1945. The first veteran to return home from the war to complete his high school education, he graduated from West Scranton High School, Class of 1946. He then attended the University of Scranton before Boston College’s School of Law. A student of French, Italian and Russian, he also earned numerous certificates from the Army War College, studying everything from aeronautical engineering to flight training.
Prior to retirement from the Defense Department of the federal government, Michael served as a Chief Project Manager. His worldwide projects covered policies, commands, computers and scientific systems with regards to high priority defense objectives. His efforts earned him accolades and high praise from his superiors, including commendation from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
A proud, humble and patriotic man who served his country to the fullest, both through the service and in his professional career, Michael was loved by those he knew and will be forever missed. His family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the entire staff of Geisinger Hospital Scranton and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for the amazing love shown to our Michael.
Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a member of St. Lucy’s Church Parish in West Scranton.
He is survived by his sisters, Annette Vannucci of Martin, Kentucky and Ella Schulp of Scranton; and 3 generations of nieces and nephews, many cousins and dear friends.
Blessing services by Rev. Sam J. Ferretti, Pastor of St. Lucy’s Parish and Rev. Joseph Girdler District Superintendent of Kentucky Assemblies of God are scheduled for Saturday at 11:00AM in the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton. Entombment with full military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at Cathedral Cemetery Mausoleum. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Saturday between 9-11:00AM at the funeral home.