Obituary of Gennard Caterina

Gennard "Gene" Caterina, 79, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2008, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He was born in Vineland to the late Peter and Ethel (Gert) Caterina. Gene graduated from Vineland High School in 1947 where he was Vice President of his Senior Class and lettered in football, baseball and basketball. He was an outstanding athlete whose passion was football. He was a first team All-State football player who continued his career at Temple University. He received many awards including the Temple University's Most Valuable Player and a try-out with the Chicago Bears. He graduated from Temple in 1951 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration..He took great pride in his hometown and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his many friends. A life-long resident of Vineland, whether golfing with his buddies at Buena or having breakfast with the gang, he was always involved in stirring up the conversation. He enjoyed spending time with people, whether they were kindergarten pals or new neighbors and was able to connect with everyone on a personal level. He operated Caterina nsurance Agency for over 40 years until his retirement in 2002. He was active in local politics for many years and served as the Vineland Motor Vehicle agent for 8 years.Gene married his childhood sweetheart Caroline Cerione in 1950 and had six children. As a consummate family man he was at the heart of a vibrant family. He had a joy of life, which was obvious to all who met him and he was a gentleman who left a legacy of love, passion and integrity.He is survived by his wife of 58 years Caroline (Cerione) Caterina of Vineland, son Gennard Caterina of Vineland, five daughters, Gwen and husband Lou Testa of Raleigh, NC, Peggy and William Dunfee of Vineland, Steffany & Michael Lepore of Haddonfield, Paula Ganci and Bob Connor of Vineland and Nancy Caterina of Pennsauken.His former son-in-law Michael Ganci of Vineland, brother and his wife, Kenneth & Virginia Caterina of Vineland, sister-in-law ,Rosie Caterina of Vineland, Grandchildren Gennard & Joseph Dunfee, Michael, Matthew & Nicholas Lepore, Caroline Testa, Stephen, Peter & Anthony Ganci Great-grandchildren Mason Ganci, He was predeceased by his parents Peter & Ethel Caterina and brother Lloyd Caterina Funeral home visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6th, from 9 am to 11 am followed by a funeral service at 11 am at Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJnterment will follow in Siloam Cemetery, Vineland. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVCE.com