Obituary
Guest Book
Manuel Catzoela, Jr. also known as "Manny" to his family and "Catz" to his friends, passed on Friday, February 22, 2013, in Luling, TX. Manny is preceded in death by his father Manuel Catzoela, Sr. He is survived by his mother Enrica Dy Catzoela and his 5 brothers: Frank, Charles, Bob, Tony, Ernie, and 3 sisters: Nenita Ritualo, Elaine Dean, and Vickie Arzola, and brother-in-laws Oscar Ritualo, Dan Dean, sister-in-laws Carmen Catzoela and Linda Catzoela. Manny also had 8 nephews, 3 nieces, 3 grandnieces and 3 grandnephews.
Manny was born in New York City, but spent his formative years in the Canal Zone. He graduated from Balboa High School and attended Canal Zone Junior College and later North Texas State University. While attending NTSU he enlisted in the United States Army. As a helicopter pilot, he served in the Vietnam War and achieved the rank of CW2. He was a highly decorated officer, receiving numerous medals, awards and commendations, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. He finally settled down in Houston, Texas working for Re-Align Industries.
We will Miss You Manny and We Love You!
Visitation will be 3-6 p.m., Sunday, March 3, 2013 at Sunset Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be 9:00 a.m., Monday, March 4, 2013 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside Service will continue at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with Military Army Honors. Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 29, 2013
TRISHA BOLT
Dad & I are so sorry for your lost. May Manny Rest In Peace. Dad & I looked at the photo album many wonderful memories we all shared on Governor's Island. Love to Mom for us. Again we are so sorry for your lost. Trisha & Julius
March 3, 2013
Bruce & Trina Hibbard
Our condolences to the Catzoela family. Catz was our longtime friend and we will miss him. His laugh was infectious. There was no one like him. Years have passed since we saw him last but he was and always will be in our hearts.
March 3, 2013
Norma Gomez Paglia
I knew Catz from when I visited my brother, Tom Gomez, in Houston. Catz was always funny, friendly, and very easy to talk to. My condolences and prayers to the entire family at this difficult time. Hopefully, the many wonderful memories of Catz will keep him close to your hearts!
March 2, 2013
keith boyd
Catz was a tremendous friend and pilot who I flew with in Vietnam. He was smart, competent , and always a quick wit. He always kept things light. I will truly miss him.
March 2, 2013
Mick Harris
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Catzoela Family. I have some fond memories of "Catz" from the Roses' house in La Boca. He was like a big brother to Mike Rose and I. Always a big smile and always made us laugh. Vaya con Dios and Godspeed my friend.
Mickey & Judy Harris
(Marshall's baby Bro)
Jakin, Ga
March 1, 2013
Irwin Stuart
My condolences to all in the Catzoela family, I salute Manny for his selfless service to our country.
February 28, 2013
Catz, on behalf of Alfred Creque and the Creque family, your departure to our Lord and Savior came to you at an early stage in your life, May he now put his loving arms around your family, letting them know, they need to lean and depend on Him always, he will lighten their burden -
Per Alfred - Hermanito RIP - (REST IN PEACE)
February 28, 2013
American Heart Association
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
February 27, 2013
George Husted
My condolences to all in the Catzoela family. We had many good times in the Canal Zone and abroad with this wonderful person. He will deeply be missed. His spirit and memories keep in my heart always..He was a lifelong friend and I am so glad he passed into mine and made me rich internally by knowning him..
February 27, 2013
Nancy Knick Soukup
When I got news that my dad was losing his battle with cancer, Catz was the friend I called in the middle of the night to come stay with my boys.
My heart goes out to Catz' mom and family.
February 27, 2013
John Nita
Catz, we grew up together and shared so many good times. You were the best of friends. Everybody liked you,especially the girls. Even my mother liked you - I don't know what she was thinking. I will really miss not seeing you again.
Adios
February 27, 2013
Lance Ruck
As a newbie pilot in Nam, the wake-up call usually came around 4 am; the first question was always "who am I flying with" and one of the answers you hoped to receive was "Catzoela"! He was a great pilot and treated the newbies with respect, always teaching and being positive. I am grateful he attended the Houston Mini where we sat together at lunch and got an opportunity to talk for about an hour. When I find my favorite picture of him, I will place it here. My deepest sympathy to his family as he departed way before his time. Lanny Ruck - Lancer 13
February 27, 2013
Buddy Churchville
Catz and Family,
Godspeed buddy. We share many fond memories and a unique past from High School during a wonderful time in a beautiful place. Thank you for your service, God bless you and your family.
May their grief for losing you soon be replaced by happy and loving memories.
BHS "66
February 27, 2013
Carol Fish McIlvaine
Catz:
You never met a stranger and always had a smile, infectious laugh, a joke, a hug and a kiss for all the ladies. I'm sorry I won't be there this weekend for the toast to your life, but will raise a glass (or two) in your honor here in Florida. All future Zonian gatherings will be forever incomplete without your presence. You will be long missed but forever loved. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." To the Catzoela Family, please accept my heartfelt condolences.
February 27, 2013
Michelle Hoskins
Tony, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
February 27, 2013
Betty Wallace
I never had the pleasure of meeting you but you were my son Chris's first boss and he always spoke highly of you. May God Bless your family I am sure this is a difficult time for them.
February 27, 2013
Michelle Hoskins
Tony, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Big Hugs.
February 26, 2013
Gail Johnson Wright
Catz, I am honored to say you were a friend. You brought so much joy and laughter into our lives. Gone too soon but you will always be in our hearts and your smile will guide us all in this hard time. You showed us all how to live. God's Blessing to your family.
February 26, 2013
Chris Ferrugia
My friend Catz, I will miss you every day!!!! Catz was my very first Boss!!! Catz was also a Warrior HERO of The 101st Airborne, as I worked with him, we spent every day together, and man I can not tell you all the war stories he told me!!!! What a GREAT HERO he was!!!! I will think of him daily!!!! Chris Ferrugia, Houston Texas!!!! I hope that one of his family members will contact me, I would love a picture of my GREAT FRIEND!!!!! RIP CATZ!!!!!
February 26, 2013
Terril Goudie
Catz, thanks for the good times when I lived Houston. Always an open heart, open house and a warm laugh.
February 26, 2013
Candy Ryan
Tony, so very sorry for your and your family's loss. Big hugs! Much love.
February 26, 2013
Sue Molagirl Gomez
Catz, I will miss you, FOREVER! You have been a big part of my life, ever since I came to Houston! The love you shared with me and my family, started, day one of meeting you! I am so Blessed to have, had you in My Life!! You were at EVER Celebration in My Life!! You ARE and WILL ALWAYS BE, VERY SPECIAL TO ME! A Special Love Never Dies!! It Only Becomes, More Appreciated!!! LOVE YOU FOREVER MY SPECIAL FRIEND!! Thank you for being in My Heart, FOREVER!! Sue/Molagirl
February 26, 2013
Gen Keith and Micah Badough
Catz,
Thank you for touching my families life in such a special way. For being such a truly kind hearted person. For being there for me when I needed a shoulder and for joking with me when I needed a laugh. You always reminded me to look at the bright side of situations and make the best of life. My family and all of our friends will miss seeing you everyday. You are a true angel. Save us a seat next to you. Love you.
February 26, 2013
Brian Simone
Thanks Catz for sharing conversation and stories with me. I am proud to have known you and appreciate your service to our country. R.I.P. my brother. You are missed and God bless you.
February 26, 2013
Jim Neil
Catz, those memories and friendships you have bestowed on this planet will never be forgotten and from one of those friends I will carry those memories into the next life… You will be missed
February 26, 2013
Terry Kaufman
Many times we flew together, so many years ago,
As Brothers-in-arms we shared the sky
and shouted "Watch out Below".
Friends come and friends go
but some bonds are meant to be,
Intense or subtle, choose your words.
Because Catz...it was between you and me.
R.I.P. Brother Lancer
Terry Kaufman, Lancer 22
February 26, 2013
Catz, you are a wonderful person who passed through my life many years ago and I will miss you my friend. You are a hero with a big heart and will not be forgotten.
Andy Archer (North Canton, Ohio)
Lancer 18
February 26, 2013
Dennis Souza
Rest in peace my Brother.
A fellow Lancer.
Dennis Souza
Tacoma, WA.
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