Benedetto Cataldo, long-time Pittsburg resident who was affectionately known as Benny, passed away on August 20, 2024 at the age of 81. Born in Isola delle Femmine, Sicily, on April 15, 1943, Benny was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him.
Benny was the third of four children born to Maria "Grace" and Antonio Cataldo. The family was part of the wave of Sicilians who emigrated to California in the 1950s. There, they laid down roots and worked hard to raise their families while overcoming language and cultural barriers.
As a child, Benny was known for being affectionate and feisty—quick to give you a hug or wrestle you to the ground, depending on the person and the situation. Benny attended Pittsburg High School, where he was renowned for his speed, strength, and skill in sports. He excelled as a top tennis player and wrestler, even while having to work nights as a baker at Cardinale Bakery to help with the family's finances.
After graduating in 1962, Benny married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Enea. Benny admitted that he had wanted to marry her since they met in 8th grade, and he remained devoted to her for the rest of his life. Shortly after their marriage, Benny joined the Army, where he earned the rank of sergeant before being honorably discharged two years later.
After his military service, Benny returned to Pittsburg and worked as a baker at Baroni's Bakery in Richmond for several years before starting a new career at US Steel. He worked at the steel mill for 30 years before retiring in 1999. Beginning as a laborer, he eventually rose to the position of line foreman, a role he took seriously, earning a reputation for his problem-solving skills and dedication to keeping production running smoothly. Even after retirement, he continued to contribute his expertise as a consultant and go-to troubleshooter for several more years.
Benny had a passion for soccer throughout his life. A natural striker, he was renowned for his fast breakaways, endurance, and prolific goal-scoring abilities while playing for local adult teams. In the late 1970s, he helped establish the Delta Youth Soccer League and spent countless weekends playing and coaching his son's soccer team. When he wasn't on the field, Benny could often be found cheering for his favorite Italian national team, and was known for hosting lively World Cup parties every four years.
Outside of work and sports, Benny loved working with his hands. He was a skilled builder, creating sturdy fences, retaining walls, patio covers, decks, and trellises. His green thumb was equally impressive. His backyard was his gardening sanctuary, where he grew grapes, nectarines, peaches, oranges, lemons, figs, and tomatoes. He also had a passion for flowers, cultivating vibrant hydrangeas, poppies, and geraniums. But he was most famous for his prolific basil harvest, which he generously shared with friends and family. And he never lost his knack for baking – his Sicilian pizzas and French rolls were always crowd favorites.
Benny was well known for his boundless energy, kindness, generosity, and caring nature. He was always approachable and ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. His compassion extended to animals as well, particularly the neighborhood cats, who could often be seen lounging or enjoying a snack in his backyard at all hours of the day.
As a father, Benny was a loving, ever-present figure in his children's lives. If there was a dance recital or a soccer game, he always found a way to attend despite his hectic work schedule. He taught his children to embrace their individuality, think critically, help those in need, and stand up for what is right. Never judgmental, he always encouraged them to follow their passions, whether it was his daughter's love for dance and the arts or his son's early career as a writer. He worked long hours to help fund their pursuits, and they are eternally grateful for his sacrifices.
Benny is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Sharon Cataldo; his children, Anthony and Monica; his sister, Madelyn, and brother, Orazio; and his grandchildren, Benny, Kenzo, Sena, and Lisa. He was predeceased by his parents and older brother, Joe.
A funeral service will be held for Benny at The Good Shepherd Catholic Church on September 13, 2024, starting at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Society, American Heart Association or SPCA.