In Memoriam: Sara Catanese
It is with sadness we report the passing of former Florida Tech First Lady Sara Catanese, whose elegance and generosity enriched campus and all of the Space Coast.
Mrs. Catanese passed away in her sleep Thursday, May 2, after a brief illness.
Born in Fairhope, Alabama on July 27, 1942, Mrs. Catanese later moved with her family to Atlanta, where she attended Druid Hills High School and the University of Georgia. She studied to be a teacher like her parents. She married Anthony J. Catanese in 1968 and they spent a wonderful life in the world of universities.
They lived in Atlanta, Miami, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, New York and three Florida cities: Gainesville, Boca Raton and Melbourne.
She was the First Lady of the Florida Institute of Technology as well as the First Lady of the Florida Atlantic University.
Mrs. Catanese was an effective and attentive philanthropist with multiple groups and charities benefitting from her interest. She was active with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and its South Guild and was well known for her involvement with charities including the Health First Foundation; Indialantic Rotary; St. Stephens Way; King Center for the Performing Arts; and others.
She loved playing bridge with her many friends at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club and elsewhere. She especially loved being with her Southern Belle soulmates at the Steel Magnolias Group.
“Sara’s gentle spirit and generosity were keenly felt anytime I was in her company,” said Florida Tech President John Nicklow. “The Florida Tech family already misses her. Our deepest sympathies to Tony and the entire Catanese family.”
Mrs. Catanese is survived by her husband Anthony, president emeritus of the Florida Institute of Technology; her sons and daughters-in-law Mark Catanese and Lori and Mark Inglis and Kim; and her grandsons Anthony, Robert, and Dominic Catanese.
She was preceded in passing by her loving parents Eugene and Miriam Phillips and her brother Eugene, Jr.
Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at the Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Chapel, 1010 E. Palmetto Ave. in Melbourne. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 6 at the chapel.
