Yvonne R. Catalano

Yvonne Catalano (Martel), 83, of Colonie entered into eternal life on June 13, 2024, peacefully at home with her loving husband and family by her side.

Yvonne was born in Albany on July 14, 1940, daughter of the late Lorenzo and Loretta Martel. She spent her early years on Elberon Place, ice skating in Washington Park, and volunteering as a candy striper at St. Peter’s Hospital. Meeting Nino on a blind date, she married the love of her life and recently celebrated 64 years of wedded bliss. While her children were young, she worked evenings at Friendly Home Toy Parties, with her best friend, Avis Hughes, who welcomed her into Heaven. As a devoted communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany, you could always count on Yvonne to remind you to attend 4pm mass on Saturdays.

Nothing was more important than family to Yvonne, who was born to help and care for others. Whether it was her large family, or friend Dottie Mulroy, who she met while working at Burger King, she never hesitated to help anyone in need. Everyone always knew Yvonne, while shopping or out at a restaurant, people stopped to chat with her everywhere. She was known as the “Hostess with the Most-est” at Martel’s restaurant for many years and always greeted her customers with a smile… and an occasional cackle!

Yvonne was an avid bowler and enjoyed her girls night out in her Tuesday nightbowling league. She treasured the many friends she made through the Lisha Kill Senior Citizens Center and the Columbiettes. She loved traveling and had the opportunity to visit family in Canada, as well as trips to the UK, France, Italy, and Costa Rica. Yvonne, aka Grammy, looked forward to her annual summer trips with daughter Laura and her four grandchildren, whom she adored more than anything. And let’s not forget she was a huge Elvis fan.

Yvonne is survived by her husband, Anthony “Nino”; children Tony (Corinne) Catalano, Lisa (Paul) Gates, and Laura Catalano; her cherished grandchildren Martel (Kyle), Shannon, Troy (Taylor), and Marissa; her great-grandchildren Jack and Beau; her siblings Shirley Soto, Paul, Harvey and Roger Martel; as well as many sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by her siblings Raymond, Leo, and Larry Martel, Gloria Waters, and Audrey Hanlon.

The family would like to thank The Community Hospice for the incredible home care and support provided to Yvonne and her family in her final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend Visitation on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie NY 12205. A mass of Chrisitan burial will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 10:00am. Interment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Yvonne’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association; The Community Hospice, Capital District; or the Scheie Eye Institute.