Norman Joseph Catelli

On March 24, 2021, my husband and hero Norman (Norm) J. Catelli lost his 8-year battle with dementia at the Margaret T. Morris Center in Prescott, AZ. 

Norm was born on October 22, 1945 in Berwyn, Illinois to Marino Joseph Catelli and Norma Eleanor (Christiansen) Catelli. He grew up in the Chicago suburbs and served in the US Army during the Viet Nam conflict from 1967 to 1969. After his military service, he earned his MBA in 1972 at Loyola University of Chicago. His career took him down many paths and to many cities. His last profession was as a Legislative Analyst at Franchise Tax Board (State of California) in Sacramento, California.

He retired in 2006. In 2013, we relocated to Arizona; Prescott Valley first followed by Prescott in 2017.  In all the places we lived Norm was well-liked for his laid-back manor and gentle, soft spoken disposition. People loved his quick wit and enjoyed his sense of humor. He was known for his comedic ‘zingers’. He was a compassionate man and went to any length to care for his family and canine companions. He read at least 3 newspapers every day and always had his nose in a book. Murder mysteries were his favorite, and sci-fi came second. On a given Saturday afternoon with a dog on his lap, you would find him happily reading away. With all that he read he became the ‘go-to guy’ for answers to almost any question. If he did not know the answer (most of the time he did) he was a master at accessing the internet to get the answer. Watching old movies and British TV were also favorites and we enjoyed many hours watching them together. He was thrilled when the Acorn channel was offered on Roku.  I loved him for many reasons and some are: a companion to laugh with and share all the ups and downs of life; supporting me when I returned to college; encouraging me when I was unhappy with myself. He was my sous chef in the kitchen and loved a simple plate of pasta. I never had to ask for help, he just stepped up to the plate. My love for him grew the longer I was with him. It seems like only yesterday we met, not 43 years of enjoying each other. I will always love and miss him as will many friends and family members. He is survived by me, his loving wife, Yvonne (Schumacher) Catelli; nieces and great-nephews: Laura (Jennifer) LaTosch, and their sons Donovan and Quinn; nephew and niece: John Laprise and his wife Cristina Willard; special cousins: Edward (Nina) Christiansen; Charles (Kathryn) Christiansen; Carolyn (David) Kunkel; Kathleen Christiansen; sister-in-law: Kathleen Laprise. Also, canine companion: Annie. He was predeceased by his parents; special cousins: Allen Christiansen and John Christiansen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Robert and Darlene (Schumacher) Laprise; great nephew: Connor LaTosch. Also, canine companions: Maggie; Hudson; and Scout. 

The family wants to give special thanks to the staff at Margaret T. Morris Center. They gave exceptional care and were kind to Norm during his illness. Their communication with me during COVID-19 restrictions was outstanding especially with the coordinated Skype appointments. These sessions allowed Norm and I to keep in touch with each other and for him to see Annie. In addition, we want to give special thanks to Maggie’s Hospice. Their kindness and support during Norm’s demise helped me understand and prepare for what was to come. 

In honoring Norm’s wishes there will be no services.

He will be cremated, and internment will be private.