Obituary of James G. Catucci

James Gabriel Catucci, 81, of Margaretville, New York peacefully took the hand of the Lord on Monday, January 9, 2017 after a courageous fight with cancer. James was born in Poughkeepsie, NY to Giacomo Catucci and Maddalena Surico Catucci on January 21, 1935. He was the youngest of 8 children. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Jeanne Toth Catucci of Margaretville, NY as well as children: Madelyn and son-in-law Michael Stile of Rock City Falls, NY and Michelle Murphy of Wallkill, NY. James cherished his four grandchildren whom he was very proud of and felt so blessed to have in his life: Caroline Murphy, Angelina Stile, Christopher Stile and Alexandra Murphy. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Isabella Sciacca, several nieces and nephews and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Annette Marie Catucci and grandson Anthony Gaetano Stile as well as his parents, 2 sisters and 4 brothers: Erminia Gahan, Lillian Allers, Donald, Paul, John and Frank Catucci and their loving spouses all with whom he enjoyed spending time with and often reminisced about the memories he made with them. James was a 1953 graduate of Poughkeepsie High School who loved to work with his hands. Therefore, in conjunction with his high school education, he attended vocational school to earn a certificate in toolmaking which afforded him years of success at IBM where he worked at both the Poughkeepsie and East Fishkill locations. Following his tenure there, he worked in the construction industry and owned and maintained multiple properties in Poughkeepsie. Later in life he and business partner, Howard Halstead, owned a construction business together. James was also a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in Fort Benning, Georgia followed by the reserves from 1954-1962. He shared many stories of his work on tanks and on guard watch while there. James also built a cabin in Margaretville in 1968. Originally built for hunting, the cabin was made into a warm home over the years, and it is where he and Jeanne retired together. The cabin brought many years of serenity and joy while spending time with family and friends fishing, hunting and entertaining. It was there that his family loved to relax around the campfire roasting marshmallows for s'mores, catching frogs and playing games together after afternoons of chopping and stacking firewood. He was happiest there. Dad, thank you for the amazing memories...You are Unforgettable…We love you a lot! James expressed special thanks to Margaretville Hospital EMT's and ER nurses who came to his aid over the past couple of months. Other special thanks to Vassar Brothers Medical Centers' doctors, nurses, aides, priest, chaplains, Eucharistic ministers, etc. who do extraordinary work every day. These amazing folks afforded him the opportunity to spend his last few days with dignity which he would not want to go unspoken. Memorial service will be held at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc., 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, New York on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. Visitation will be 10:00am-noon with Catholic prayer service immediately following. Christian burial will be at St. Peter's Cemetery, Salt Point Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Margaretville Health Foundation, James Catucci Memorial, 42084 State Route 28, Margaretville, NY 12455.