Former Sudbury journalist William “Bill” Joseph Catalano passed away late last month at the age of 76.
Born and raised in London, Ontario, Catalano grew into a career broadcaster, working in such areas as North Carolina, The Bahamas, and Florida.
Catalano arrived in Sudbury in 1971 to work at CKSO Radio and Television as program manager and the first play-by-play announcer for the Sudbury Wolves, covering the team for the 1972-73 and 1973-74 seasons.
From there, Catalano moved up the street to the CBC Television news affiliate, where he served as CKNC news director for four years, before leaving to take on the role as the first senior director for CBC Radio news when it opened its doors in Sudbury in 1978.
The Sudbury news went on to be voted on by its peers as the top regional newsroom in the country. During his time at CBC, he taught journalism at Cambrian College for two years.
His obituary said that after meeting the love of his life and having three children together, they moved down to North Carolina to raise their family.
“Bill described those years as some of the best of his life,” said his obituary.
“Bill was known to be a quiet man who spoke so eloquently. Every word had to be smooth, clear, Interesting, and immensely powerful. A thoughtful and influential speaker that could make an entire room go quiet, and for good reason! He only said what others needed to hear.”
Catalano is survived by his wife, Paulette, son James Catalano (Tracy), daughters Anne Marie Catalano (Johny), and Andrea Bazinet (Kevin), as well as his dearest grandchildren, who called him Papa.
A celebration of life was to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family said donations made directly to the MS Society would be greatly appreciated.
