March 16, 2024
Gus Catalano, 36, a resident of West Scranton, died Saturday, March 16, suffering from a broken heart.
Gus and his loving wife, best friend, and companion, Milinda who died February 7th celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary in October. Born in Scranton he was the beloved son of Gerard M. and Cindy Leo Catalano, Scranton.
Gus was a graduate of West Scranton High School, Class of 2007, Johnson School of Technology as a certified diesel mechanic and later from Lackawanna College as a Nationally Registered Paramedic.
Gus loved EMS, his colleagues and his work as a Paramedic Supervisor and instructor at Pennsylvania Ambulance. His coworkers were his family too, and he was blessed to have so many wonderful people working beside him who have now come together to lean on each other with this tremendous loss.
Gus’s passion for EMS impacted countless lives over his career, and he was incredibly proud of all of his students for their accomplishments and growth in their own careers. While many stories and memories have been shared these past days about Gus’s magnetic personality, his signature “vapor-lock”, which was his unique and infectious laugh, his legendary hugs, and the support he provided to so many individuals. Gus was incredibly humble never wishing for recognition for any of his own accomplishments. Formally, he was recognized in 2013 with a Medical Hero Award from The Red Cross for saving a baby in a storm drain and by Geisinger Health System as EMS Outstanding Provider of the Year for Heroism. Informally, Gus’s professionalism and dedication over the years leaves an impactful legacy.
Outside of work, Gus was an amateur photographer and he enjoyed capturing the local landscapes in every season. He loved his dogs, including Gizmo who remains at home, and Shamrock and Clover who were waiting for Gus on the other side of the rainbow bridge.
Gus is survived by his parents; brother and sister-in-law Gerard “Gerry” and Ashley Catalano, Nicholson; his Aunts Mary Ellen Fontine, Scranton, Maria Stevens and her husband Robert, Tunkhannock, Josephine Leo and companion Bob Tonkin, Scranton and Lisa Catalano, Wyomissing; Uncle Mike Catalano and his wife Patti, Jessup; cousins, and his many many friends.
In addition to his wife Milinda Gus was preceded in death by his grandparents Samuel and Ruth Catalano and Accursio and Francesca Leo, Aunt Ann Catalano and Uncles Paul Catalano and Pete Fontine.
The Funeral will be Thursday March 21 with full EMS honors at 5 PM at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street, Scranton celebrated by Pastor Rev. Richard Fox. Internment will be at the family’s convenience. The family will greet friends at the Church from 1 PM until the time of service at the Church.
The family extends a special thank you to Chris Taramelli, Dr. Louis DeNaples, Pennsylvania Ambulance, Scranton Bureau of Fire, Scranton Police Department, Chinchilla Hose Company, Life Flight, EMS of Northeast PA and all the EMS family for their assistance.
Arrangements entrusted to the Donahue Funeral Home, 303 South Main Avenue, Scranton, PA 18504. Please visit the funeral homes website for additional information.
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