John Anthony Cattalini

12/02/1941 - 05/02/2024

Our family is saddened to announce the passing of our beloved brother and uncle, John Anthony Cattalini on Thursday, May 2. So many of us knew him as “Uncle John.”

The son of Ernest B. and Mary Agnes (Jensen) Cattalini. John was born nine minutes before his twin brother, Jim Cattalini, on December 2, 1941. John and Jim, along with their two older sisters, grew up near West Portal in San Francisco. The four close siblings became even more reliant on each other when their mother passed away far too soon in 1949.

John graduated from St. Brendan’s grade school in 1955, and proudly graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in 1959. John graduated from Santa Clara University, majoring in accounting and went on to earn his CPA license. After retirement, he attended Santa Rosa Junior College to earn his AA degree in viniculture.

In 1991, after working in Public Accounting, Commercial Real Estate and Banking in New York, Southern California and San Francisco, he began working as Director of Finance for the Salesians of Don Bosco, where he remained, devoted for 25 years, before retiring in 2016.

John balanced his family, professional and social life as a devoted son, brother, uncle, a devout Catholic and a lover of good food and wine. He especially loved his golden retrievers, Duncan and then Rocco. John loved traveling, especially in Italy. His love of wine led to John purchasing land and developing his own vineyard in the Russian River Valley, where he produced Pinot Noir grapes bottled by Patz & Hall and others.

“Uncle John” had over 60 years of active and fun influences with his 10 nieces and nephews. At the dinner table, John often had a witty, dry sense of humor, not afraid to poke a little fun at nieces and nephews, yet always with a wink and a smile to make sure you knew he was joking. John showed a tremendous ability to love everyone. His nieces and nephews could all attest to his constant presence.

John had many dinners at his Twin Peaks condo, overlooking San Francisco. As a dinner host, John loved to unveil multicourse meals with exceptional ingredients. In his later years, he devoted himself to an unwavering pursuit of knowledge, passionately immersing himself in the study of viniculture.

John joins his parents and his sister and brotherin-law, Joan & Bob Higgins in heaven. John is survived by his sister, Suzanne Barry (Francis); his twin brother, Jim (Marie); his 10 nieces and nephews; as well as several great-nieces and nephews; and many cousins and friends.

John will forever be loved, remembered, and honored. His vigilant presence will be missed by us all.

In honor of John’s life, friends may visit Monday, May 13, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at DUGGAN’S SERRA MORTUARY, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, where a Vigil Service and Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, May 14, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Brendan’s Church, 29 Rockaway Ave., San Francisco. Donations may be made to St. Ignatius College Preparatory Class of 1959 Scholarship, 2001 37th Ave., San Francisco, Calif. 94116.