Albert G. Katanik

Albert G. Katanik, 87, of Vermilion, died Friday, January 25, 2008 at New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph, Lorain. He was born August 3, 1920 in Cleveland, and lived in Parma until moving to Vermilion in 1972. He worked as a tool & die maker for General Motors, Elyria for 22 years retiring in 1982. He also worked at the GM Cleveland Tank Plant, for Tremont Tool and Die, and Snell Tool, Cleveland. After retiring, he worked part time for Riddle Funeral Home, Vermilion. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and UAW Local # 425. He was a Golden Glove Feather Weight. He had his pilots license and enjoyed flying light cubs. He was a personal friend of Nat King Cole. He enjoyed big band music, dancing , fishing, boating, traveling, and photography. . Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Bernadine "Bernie" Katanik, (nee Collisi) of Vermilion; sons, Farrell A. of Bryant , WI, Gary A. of Wickliffe, Hal M., Vermilion; daughters, Cheryl Hirsch of Hernando, FL, Dianne Cavanaugh of Hernando, FL, Elyse Kirchner of Parma; 15 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and a sister, Ann Reiss of Brooklyn. Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Anna (nee Garren) Katanik, a great grandson, Zachary Joseph Virgin on September 9, 2004; 2 brothers, Joseph Halley and Michael Katanik; 3 sisters, Barbara Halley, Betty Grunoch, and Helen Stiffler. Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday, January 27, 2008 and Monday, January 28, 2008 from 10 a.m. until the time of prayers at 12 noon at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion at 12:30 p.m. Father Jim Holmer will officiate. Online condolences may be made at ww.riddlefuneralhome.com.