CATOLINE

JOHN ALLAN

John Allan Catoline, 87, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at his home in Allison Park, PA. He was born on October 14, 1937, in Youngstown, OH.

John was a poet, painter, teacher, and lifelong seeker. He lived a life filled with love, curiosity, and adventure. A romantic at heart and an activist in spirit, John was known for his wisdom and the deep gentleness he shared with everyone he met.

He graduated from Ursuline Catholic High School in Youngstown, and went on to earn his degree from Youngstown State University. In 1964, he completed his Master's degree at Kent State University. John's love for culture and learning took him far beyond the classroom. He was awarded an Italian government grant through the Middlebury College program at the University of Florence, and later a prestigious federal Fulbright Scholarship at the University of Pisa. As part of his doctoral work for Georgetown University's Department of Government, he conducted research in Italy on Renaissance thinkers, Niccolò Machiavelli and Francesco Guicciardini. He received a Masters from Rutgers University in Political Science.

He traveled extensively across Europe studying art, history, and literature. Upon returning home, he dedicated his life to education, teaching history and Italian to high school students in Neshannock Highschool in New Castle, PA. His passion for learning and teaching never dimmed. He enjoyed sharing his love of history, politics, and culture with all who would listen, often over a glass of wine. He even managed a wine store for several years, delighting in pairing stories with vintages as only he could.

John lived richly and thoughtfully. He shared countless visits with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews to Pittsburgh's Carnegie Museum, Botanical Gardens, Strip District, and North Park, instilling in them a love for beauty and wonder.

With his beloved wife of 27 years, Elfriede, they traveled through France, Italy and Germany, and enjoyed serene boat tours along the Rhine and Danube rivers. At home, they enjoyed delicious home cooked meals, and together they tended a lush garden where John was often found savoring a homemade Cappuccino, and embracing the joy of la bella vita.

He was a devoted husband to Elfriede; and a loving and supportive father to Rosanna Eliser and her husband, James, John Allan Catoline, Jr. and wife, Natalie, Cindy Hauck and Paul, Chris Clune and Tammy, and Mark Clune. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Luca Catoline, Enlil Eliser, Sebastian Eliser, Everett Catoline, Amber Snyder (Sean Stewart), Victoria Clune, Jackie Hauck, Molly Hauck (Ella Ward), and Brian Hauck. His legacy lives on in his nieces and nephews, Anthony John Catoline, Maria Catoline, Felicia Rink (Tom), and Dana Catoline; and his brother, David Catoline.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Mary Catoline; his brother, fellow Fulbright Scholar and adventurer, James Catoline Ph.D.; and his first wife, Carolena Catoline, who passed away in 1988.

His life was a beautiful tapestry of intellect, art, love, and devotion. He will be missed deeply by all who knew him.

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