CATANZARO – Michael August 13, 1942 – December 13, 2025 Mike "Cats" Catanzaro. Mike was the son of the late Anne and Bruno Catanzaro and was born and raised in Buffalo's Old First Ward and later resided in Lancaster. He attended St. Brigid's and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Schools and graduated in 1961 from South Park High School. Mike was pre-deceased by Nancy R. Lyon, N.P., his special life-long best friend and mother of his

three sons, Mike, Jack and Paul.

Mike was self-employed for most of his 35 year career in the medical-surgical industry as manufacturers' rep for nine medical companies and was owner of Catanzaro & Co. He was a member of the Surgical Technology Advisory Board of Trocaire College.  As president of the Medical-Surgical Industries Representatives of Western New York, Mike held an annual mini-congress, with all proceeds going to the Association of Operating Room Nurses of Western New York.

A former Democratic Committeeman, Mike served as a part-time staff member of the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate for Francis J. Griffin, James D. Griffin and Raymond F. Gallagher.  He volunteered for many years at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and served as president of the Lancaster High School Boosters' Club. Mike was a proud son of the Ward and for many years was president of the First Ward Reunion, Bringing A Great Neighborhood Together.

After years of research and trips to both Italy and Ireland, Mike compiled books documenting his family's history: a legacy he is especially proud of. Mike was a devoted and passionate grandfather and great-grandfather.  Being a part of the lives of his seven grandchildren and great-grandson was a profound source of personal joy and happiness for him.  He is survived by his sons, Michael (Linda Potter), Jack (Kristie Langer) and Paul (Amy Catanzaro); grandchildren, Nicole Potter (Chris Melville), Tucker Catanzaro, Arlo Catanzaro, John Catanzaro, Elijah Catanzaro, Luke Catanzaro and Adella Catanzaro; and a great-grandson, Alistair Melville., beloved brother of Robert (late Pat), Maureen (Mike) Comerford, Ann Lorraine (Dennis) Orcutt, Carla (Bob) Daminski, Mark (Beth) and the late James (Tina).

Calling hours at Wendel & Loecher Inc. Funeral Home in Lancaster will be 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on December 18 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1 St Mary's on the Hill, Lancaster, NY.  A lunch in celebration of Mike's life will be served at Brookfield Country Club 5120 Shimerville Rd., Clarence, NY 14031 following the funeral mass.

In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to make a donation in Mike's name to the Old First Ward Community Association, Inc., 62 Republic St Buffalo, NY 14204-2727. Share condolences at wendelandloecherinc.com