Russell A. Catalano

February 19, 1948 - February 18, 2017

Russell A. Catalano (COL, Ret), of West Galway, NY, retired US Property and Fiscal Officer for NY Army National Guard passed away on February 18, 2017 after a brief illness. Born on February 19, 1948 in Schenectady, NY, he was a long time resident of the Capital District area. He was the son of the late Sebastian and Minnie (Potts) Catalano. He is survived by his three loving children, who he was so proud of and loved dearly, Melissa (Michael) Dannenberg, Burnt Hills, NY, Michael (Barbara) Catalano, San Diego Ca, and Mary Catalano, Burnt Hills, NY. Brothers Charles (Cathy) Medford, NJ and Ralph (Jan) Schenectady, NY. He loved and enjoyed his grandchildren Katie (Kevin) Curtis, David (Michaela) and Scott Dannenberg, TJ Olsen and Justin and Olivia Catalano; his two great granddaughters, Kenzie Curtis and Aubrianna Dannenberg (Due in March), several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also very appreciative of the loyalty and support of his companion Missy (Catherine) Gardner. She was with him and stood by his side through many trying events. He was a graduate of NYAC College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management and had several Associate degrees. In his position as the US Property and Fiscal Officer he served on active duty and was accountable for all the federal property, equipment and funds that supported the NY National Guard. He retired from the Army after serving over 41 years. He entered the NY Army National Guard as a PVT E1 on 9Jan67 and rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class E7 prior to his first term of enlistment of six years. He became a Warrant Officer 1 as a Personnel Technician and was promoted to the grade of CW2 as a Supply Technician. He was appointed as a First Lieutenant and rose thru the ranks occupying many military leadership positions until his final grade as Colonel 06. He entered the NY Army National Guard with the 727 Maint Co and was elevated to HQ 727 Maint Bn located at the Schenectady, NY Armory. Upon reorganization he was reassigned to the HQ 105th Inf Bn Schenectady, NY. After several years he was transferred the Command and Control Hqs Albany NY and was later transferred to the HQ New York Army National Guard, Albany, NY as a Auditor for the USPFO-NY. He served in several positions within the USPFO-NY to include Finance Officer, Logistics Officer and Director of the USPFO. His biggest impact and accomplishments came upon his reassignment as the NY National Guard Contracting Officer. As the NY National Guard Contracting Officer he was responsible to negotiate and award contracts for military construction and supplies. He supported the 109th Air Wing, Scotia, NY by negotiating contracts for their missions to both the North and South Poles. He was also responsible for construction projects at the five Air National Guard Bases throughout New York State ensuring change orders and cost over runs were kept at a minimum. He was also responsible to ensure during base closures that the first service contract of this magnitude was implemented at the former Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome, NY ensuring mobilization and demobilization of the 10th Mountain Division located at Ft Drum, NY. For his efforts he was awarded the Air Force Military Commendation Medal. He was a member of the National Guard Bureau Acquisition Counsel, Washington DC which developed regulations, policies and support to the 50 States Contracting Offices. He was the First National Guard Officer to receive the Secretary of The Army Contracting Officer of the Year Award, competing with other contracting officers throughout the world. He was humble and rarely spoke of his responsibilities and accomplishments. He always was appreciative of his staff and co workers and gave them credit for his success as he understood the importance of taking care of those that supported him, He took a personal interest in their well being while doing all he could to show his appreciation for their support and loyalty to him. He was also very appreciative of his superiors who gave him guidance and support but allowed him to make decisions based on his knowledge of the situation and input from his staff. He always gave his all and believed that hard work made a person better. During the Iraqi war, he served as the first National Guard Unit Mobilized Rear Detachment Commander, Stationed at Ft Drum, NY for 18 months supporting the famous 42 Infantry Divisions while mobilized to Iraq, representing the 42 Infantry Division Commanding General in the states and ensuring the families and loved ones back in the states of those mobilized were supported. He attended Family Readiness Group meetings and kept the families advised of the 42 Infantry Divisions activities, while supporting loved ones and families as needed. He visited wounded soldiers at Eisenhower Army Hospital, Augusta, Ga and Walter Reed Military Hospital, Washington, DC. During this tenure it was his responsibility to ensure that the deployed division received items of equipment and replacement personnel for mission success while handling many other duties. A graduate of Linton High School Class of 1966, he was a three sport letterman his junior and senior year, playing baseball, wrestling and football. His senior year he was a member of the All County Football team. He loved the Yankees and felt privilidged to see so many Yankees greats play during his lifetime. He enjoyed playing golf and all sports in general. He played baseball from Little League thru American Legion, pitching and playing shortstop. He was a member of several automobile clubs, served a treasurer of the Electric City GTO club and won awards at many car shows throughout the years. Upon retirement he assisted in restoring cars for others to the highest of standards. His enjoyment also included helping others offering advice on restoring or maintaining their own classic cars. He attended numerous military schools and was a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College. Among his many military awards that he received continued... 1 2 Next ...continued were the NYS Conspicuous Service Medal, NYS highest Military award and the 7th highest Federal Military award, the Legion of Merit. He was a believer in rescuing dogs and always felt that somehow they knew and therefore a special relationship developed. He enjoyed and loved his dogs Aries, who just enjoyed walking the streets of Schenectady in all types of weather and Macks, who loved the open fields, streams and trails in the woods of West Galway. He just loved dogs and enjoyed their companionship and loyalty. The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff of A-4 at Ellis Hospital and the Intensive Care Unit at St. Mary's Hospital. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday the Rossi & Di Toro Funeral Home, 501 Union St, Schenectady, NY with calling hours 4 to 8 pm. Burial will be at the Gerald Solomon National Cemetery in Saratoga on Thursday at 11am. Contributions may be made to Montgomery or Schenectady Animal shelters. Rescue a dog or a cat and you will never have a moment of regret doing so; they will be a companion and give unconditional love forever. Previous 1 2