Bernard “Bernie” A. Catalucci passed peacefully into the waiting arms of Jesus surrounded by his loving family at the home of his daughter Lisa and her husband, Wendell on 03/05/2024.
Bernie was born March 2, 1929, at his boyhood home in Conway, PA and had just celebrated his 95th birthday on Saturday 03/02/24.
He was preceded in death by his wife Hilda (Montini), and his parents, Domenick and Rosanna (Cuda) Catalucci, and his ten siblings including an infant brother, Anthony, as well as Louis (Catalina), Mike, Gilbert, Teresa (DeStefano), Florence (Celio), Pearl (Guy), Christine (Campbell), Mary (Parretta), and Adeline “Cookie” (Lange).
Bernie and his wife Hilda were blessed with five children who survive him: Brian (Lise) Catalucci (Denver, CO), Norman (Laura) Catalucci (Aliquippa, PA), Jeffery (Becky) Catalucci (Aurora, OH), Elisea (Wendell) Hill (New Galilee, PA), and Jeannine (Mark) Lefebvre (Denver, CO).
Bernie and Hilda also had eight grandchildren: Melissa, Jessica, Michael, Amadeus, Travis, Desiree, Ciera, and Trinity, and seven great-grandchildren: Dakota, Tallon, Ayla, Wyatt, Walker, Daniele, and Katalina, with another one on the way, due in April.
Bernie was an industrious, resourceful, and hard-working man who started at an early age. He held many different jobs through the years, including being an Usher at the Ambridge Movie Theater, and babysitting for a neighbor’s family, (which was where he met his future wife Hilda while she was visiting her aunt and uncle.) He also worked at Conway Airport where he serviced and tended airplanes. When working at the airport Bernie would often go “joy-riding” with older friends who could fly. Amazingly, Bernie walked away from two separate airplane crashes.
Bernie graduated from Ambridge High school in 1948. During high school and after graduation, he often worked for his brothers, Mike and Gilbert, at their local beer distributor, the ‘Catalucci Brothers’ in Conway. Bernie made deliveries to local bars, taverns, and restaurants, driving the beer delivery truck despite not possessing a driver’s license at the time.
It was during this period, Bernie began courting his future wife, Hilda (Montini) and they were married in 1950. Bernie and Hilda spent the next 68 years together until she passed away in 2018. Bernie also joined the Army Air Corp (Air Force) in 1951 where he served as a Staff Seargent and a senior cook, preparing delicious food for the troops who were serving in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict. In 1954, Bernie was discharged and returned home to continue his diverse career path. He worked at American Bridge as a
laborer, and also at the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier.
During this time, while continuing to support his wife and young family, Bernie attended and successfully completed night classes at Geneva College for eight years to obtain his teaching degree. Bernie eventually fulfilled his true ambition and dream to become a grade school teacher. Bernie taught 4th, 5th and 6th grades for the Monaca School District where he taught his favorite subject, history, in addition to science
and math. His many students affectionately referred to Bernie as “Mr. C”.
Bernie held many other jobs and volunteer positions including being a Boy Scout Cub Master, a Eureka Vacuum salesman, a Security Guard for a small airline company, and Driver for Avis Car Rental. Bernie’s love of history had him working at many local historical sights and Indian dig sites as an amateur archeologist. Bernie was an enthusiastic member of the local Amokowi Chapter of the
Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology and was particularly involved with the Beaver County and Western Pennsylvania Historic Society, and he has served on the Board of Directors for the Vicary House Mansion for more than two decades. He was also intricately involved with the Beaver County Historic Research & Landmarks Foundation where Bernie was responsible for the creation and installation of many of the prominent blue cast Landmark plaques on so many local historic sites in and around Beaver
County. Bernie was also intimately involved with the excavating of Ft. MacIntosh archaeological site in Beaver, PA.
Bernie was a devout Catholic who loved everyone, who always turned the other cheek, and who always forgave everyone. He faithfully attended the local Catholic church in whatever area he was living, including Our Lady of Peace in Conway, and St. Titus in Aliquippa. Bernie was one of the original founding members of St. Francis Cabrini Church in Center Township.
Visitation will be Thursday from 3 to 7 pm in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, 2026 McMinn St., Aliquippa, PA 15001 (724) 375-0496.
Departing prayers will begin Friday at 9:30 AM in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Mary Queen of Saints Parish, Saint Francis Cabrini Church at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Saint James cemetery in Sewickley.
The Beaver County Special Unit will conduct full military honors at the cemetery.
Bernie will be sadly missed by his many friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation, c/o The William Vicary Mansion 1235 Third Ave, Freedom, PA 15042. (724) 775-1848.
Bernie will be sadly missed by his many friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Beaver
County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation, c/o The William Vicary Mansion 1235 Third Ave Freedom, PA 15042. (724) 775-
1848.