Mechanical Equipment Specialist Passes Away

Mechanical Equipment Specialist Vincent Catapano passed away on Saturday, April 20 after becoming ill last year. Catapano, nicknamed Vinnie, had been working at the College for over a decade.

Catapano worked in the Office of Facilities Management mostly “troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing the heating and air conditioning systems campus wide,” according to Michael Cunningham, associate director of facilities for daily operations.

“I had the privilege of teaming up with Vinnie when I first started here,” Cunningham added. “We were both in the HVAC department at the time, and he was very welcoming and helped me find all the hidden equipment and pass along his knowledge of the campus.”

A wake was held for Catapano on Tuesday, April 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Nazare Memorial Home, 403 Ridge Road in Lyndhurst, with the funeral on Wednesday, April 24. The service was followed by a 10 a.m. mass at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church at 324 Ridge Road in Lyndhurst.

Cunningham said Catapano was a family man and a proud grandfather. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but was also very knowledgeable when it came to technology.

“It was always great to hear him talk about the various adventures he went on with his grandson,” Cunningham said. “Vinnie was an avid hunter and fisherman but could also tell you all about the latest gadgets and electronics.”

Catapano is survived by his wife and three daughters.

“Vinnie will be missed for his ability to lighten up any situation [and] his patience with co-workers was legendary,” Cunningham said. “We lost not only a dependable HVAC mechanic but an all-around great guy and friend.”


nalliegr@ramapo.edu