Catalano, Ellen Flanagan

DELMAR – Ellen Ruth Bridget Flanagan Catalano, 80, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 after a long illness. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Ellen is predeceased by her loving parents, Michael and Kathleen Flanagan; her brothers, Michael (late Lydia), Arthur, Daniel, and Thomas Flanagan; and her sisters, Eileen (late Frank) Renzi, Joan (late Robert) Radler, and Barbara Santiago.

Ellen is survived by her daughter, Eileen (Robert) Pasquini; her son, Vincent (Lisa) Catalano Jr.; five grandsons –Robert, Matthew, and Timothy (Nicole) Pasquini, and Vincent (Lauren) and Michael (Jesse) Catalano. She is also survived by her three great-grandsons, Michael, Jack, and Louis Catalano. In addition, she is survived by her sisters, Marion (late Ron) Waite, Doris (John) Barr, and Kathleen (late Larry) Loerzel, and her brother, Thomas (Helene) DePalma, her sisters-in-law, Joyce and Margaret Flanagan, and her brother-in-law, Paul Santiago. Ellen is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, both in America and in Ireland. She also leaves behind her loving companion and friend, the Honorable Leonard Weiss.

Ellen was born in Albany and graduated from Cathedral Academy. She had a diverse and rewarding career working for the State of New York, including positions in the State Legislature, the Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. In addition, Ellen held positions with the NYC Board of Education and the NYS Trooper’s Police Benevolent Association.

A devoted daughter, sister, cousin, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, Ellen’s life revolved around family. From raising her own children and doting on her grandsons and great-grandsons, one of the great joys of Ellen’s life was being surrounded by her loved ones. Always outgoing and full of humor, Ellen made many great friends throughout her life, whom she also cherished. Ellen enjoyed researching her Irish ancestry and was the driving force behind the continued celebration of her father’s distinguished Irish musical heritage. Ellen was a longtime parishioner of St. John’s – St. Ann’s Church (now known as St. Francis of Assisi), where she served on many parish committees and functions.

Ellen’s family wishes to give special thanks to the many friends and family members, especially her devoted caregiver, Terri, who supported her during her last months.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Avenue, Albany, on Sunday, March 11 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the South End Community of St. Francis of Assisi Church, 88 Fourth Avenue, Albany, NY, on Monday, March 12 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.



In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to the St. John’s – St. Ann’s Outreach Center, 88 Fourth Ave., Albany, NY 12202 or Community Hospice, Gift Processing Center, 310 So. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208.