Obituary of Michael J. Catrambone

Michael J. Catrambone, 60, passed away Monday, April 4, following a lengthy illness, at peace and surrounded by his loving family. Michael picked up his cross and carried it with dignity, courage, and strength. He was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Michael was born and raised in Schenectady, the son of Ralph and Angela (Balletti) Catrambone. He graduated from Bishop Gibbons High School and the College of St. Rose, where he earned a BA in music education. He took pride in his participation in the Jazz Ensemble while at St. Rose. Upon graduation, Michael enjoyed a brief teaching assignment at Draper High School, but spent most of his career employed as a gas technician with National Grid (Niagara Mohawk ). A man of many talents, his greatest enjoyments in life included tinkering with almost anything, maintaining his property of 44 acres, hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening, rooting for the NY Giants and Mets, etc. An excellent cook, Michael loved preparing Thanksgiving dinner for his immediate and extended families. After his family, music was Michael’s greatest passion, the saxophone being his specialty. His prowess with the sax found it’s main expression as a member of several local bands, most notably the renowned George Boone Blues Band. Michael is survived by the true love of his life, his wife Kristin (Gold), his father Ralph Catrambone, sisters Donna Sgarlata and Patricia Mosch (Craig), and brother Thomas Catrambone (Erin), son Michael Catrambone, daughter Deanna Catrambone (Dale Tassinari), grandson Anthony Tassinari, nieces Heidi (Todd Mayette) and Meghan (Mosch), and nephews Jason (Sgarlata), Jeremy (Mosch), Benjamin (Catrambone) and life-long friend Tim Kinnally. Michael was predeceased by his mother Angela. Calling hours will be on Thursday, April 7 from 4-8 pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 8, at 9am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha, 2216 Rosa Rd., Schenectady NY. The family would like to thank the staffs of the following for the wonderful care they provided to Michael during his long illness: Albany Medical Center, Ellis and Saratoga Hospitals and, most recently, Capital Living. A special thank you to Drs. Wang, Fitz, Schumacher and Jameson. Memorial contributions in Michael’s name may be made to JDRF (Junior Diabetes Research Foundation), 950 New Loudon Road #330, Latham, NY 12110 or to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.glenvillefuneralhome.com