Paul G. Catalano 76, of North Attleboro, and a former resident of Franklin, passed away, peacefully at his home with loved ones at his side, Monday January 5, 2026, following a brief illness.
Paul was born on January 16, 1949 a loving son of the late Herbert T. and Barbara (Fraser) Catalano. He grew up in Franklin and graduated from King Philip Regional High School in 1967.
A machinist by trade, Paul worked at Monarch Machine Works, Inc.; a complete machine shop founded by his late father Herbert “Herbie” Catalano in 1959. He worked as an owner operator on countless projects there throughout his career.
His passion was classic and antique muscle cars and was a passionate fan of NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt. He also enjoyed following the New England Patriots. Paul was a parishioner at Saint Mary’s Church in North Attleboro. He was an avid fisherman; he loved bass fishing at Falls Pond, Whiting Pond and Turnpike Lake in his spare time. Above all Paul cherished time spent with his family and friends, especially Sunday dinners followed by NASCAR races.
He is survived by his loving children, Barbara Catalano of Raynham, her daughter Cassandra, his great grandchildren, Logan and Lukas; her son Jack and her daughter Isabelle. His daughter, Sandra Pacheco and her husband Louis of Raynham, her son Anthony Leone, his wife Deborah and great grandchildren Ava, Allison and Cohen; her son Alexander Leone, his wife Sloan and great grandchildren Enzo and Gianna; her son Nicholas Leone, his wife Denise and great granddaughter Eleanor. His daughter, Kimberley Catalano and her companion David Howarth of North Attleboro. His cherished son Matthew Catalano of Statesville, North Carolina, his grand puppy, Sierra, his kitty Smokey and his late kitty Bubba.
He was the dear brother of the late Herbert “Skip” Catalano and his wife, Susan of North Attleboro. Sister Donna Tortorella, and her husband Steven of Barrington, New Hampshire. Sister Jeanne Jackman of Falmouth and her late husband Joseph. Sister, Martha Catalano and her late long time companion Jim Fasulo of Falmouth. Brother Michael Catalano and his wife Lauren of Wrentham and brother Thomas Catalano of Bellingham (co-owner of Monarch Machine Works, Inc.). He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews and so many close beloved friends.
We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived: “A well lived life is a gift to those you leave behind”.
Visitation to which relatives and friends are most warmly invited will be held on Wednesday January 14, 2026 in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage Street from 5-7PM.
A Mass of Catholic burial will be celebrated by the Reverend David A. Costa on Thursday January 15th, at 11AM at Saint Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception Church 14 Park Street North Attleboro. The family requests that all who are attending the funeral Mass, please report directly to the church.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in memory of Paul Catalano to Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund/Pancreatic Research. To make a gift online, please visit www.dana-farber.org/gift. To donate by mail, please send a check payable to Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 5th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445. Donors can also call a toll-free number at 800-52-Jimmy (617-632-3019).
Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com