Born July 27, 1942 in Fairhope, Alabama
Departed May 2, 2024 in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Sara Catanese passed away in her sleep after a brief illness on 2 May 2024. She was born in Fairhope, AL on 27 July 1942. Her family moved to Atlanta, GA where she attended Druid Hills High School and The University of Georgia, studying to be a teacher like her parents. She married Anthony J. Catanese in 1968 ,and they spent a wonderful life in the world of universities. They lived in Atlanta, Miami, Milwaukee, New York, Gainesville, Boca Raton, and Melbourne. She was the First Lady of The Florida Institute of Technology as well as The First Lady of The Florida Atlantic University.
Sara was active with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and its South Guild. She was well known for her involvement with various charities including the Health First Foundation; Indialantic Rotary; St. Stephens Way; King Center for the Performing Arts; and several others. She loved playing Bridge with her many friends at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club and elsewhere. She especially loved being with her Southern Belle soulmates at the Steel Magnolias Group.
Sara is survived by her husband Anthony, President Emeritus of The Florida Institute of Technology: Also her sons and daughters-in-law Mark Catanese and Lori and Mark Inglis and Kim, as well as her grandsons Anthony, Robert, and Dominic Catanese.
She was preceded in passing by her loving parents Eugene and Miriam Phillips and her brother Eugene, Jr.
Calling hours will be Sunday May 5th from 4pm-7pm with a Funeral Service on Monday May 6th at 10am in the Brownlie-Maxwell Chapel in Melbourne, FL.
Anyone wishing to make an expression of sympathy is asked to consider the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, South Guild, or The Anthony and Sara Catanese Scholarship Fund at Florida Tech.
Christine "Chrissy" Maglio
from
Melbourne December 11, 2025
Dearest Tony, I'm just finding out about Sara. My heart breaks for all of you. I'm so sorry.. she was an Amazing women and friend. I have so many great memories that I will hold dear. My prayers are with you all.😞🙏❤️
Dearest Tony - I just found out about the passing of your beloved Sara. I am incredibly sorry. Sara was one swell lady who always treated everyone with extraordinary kindness and civility. Her active involvement with so many organizations means that her powerful input will be sorely missed. Please accept my sincerest condolences. My prayers are with you and your family. RIP sweet lady.
My deepest condolences to Mr Catanese and family.
Sara was such a kind and beautiful lady whom I met through Bill Farina when we catered events and also with Jeanne Farmer.
Dear Family,
My sympathies are with your family at this sad time. Sara was a lovely lady in so many ways. She was so gracious, always helping others. She will be missed, but she will now grace Heaven. May God bless her.
Lucy Rugg
Sara was a beautiful, kind, thoughtful friend to all blessed with knowing her. She was a joy to be with at our Steel Magnolias' luncheons, symphony concerts, art gallery events and community activities. She will be deeply missed. I send my deepest condolences and wishes for peace and solace to Anthony and all the family and friends who are grieving her loss.
RALPH JOHN MIOZZI
from
Melbourne Beach May 5, 2024
For many years when Sara and Tony lived in Melbourne Beach, almost daily Sara and I would chat when we were on the treadmill at the gym that we attended. I always enjoyed her calmness and how pleasant she was. I enjoyed those conversations. I wish you strength, Tony, in this difficult time.
Al and I wish to express our deepest and heartfelt condolences. Aunt Sara was always so kind and gracious. Her contributions and dedication to serve the community with a sense of purpose and compassions were immeasurable. Sending love and strength to Uncle Tony and our family during this difficult time.
Deepest sympathies to Uncle Tony and family. The love that Uncle Tony and Aunt Sara shared was always present in the rooms I have shared with them. May peace be with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sara was a special friend of my late wife. I am sure they will get together in heaven for Bridge. Blessings!
Sounds like I missed out on knowing a very graceful, gentle, yet powerful Lady. My condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Julia Craft
Florida Tech
Parking Officer
Hon Dave Weldon and Nancy Weldon
from
Indialantic Fl May 3, 2024
Sara always had a smile and a kind word with a beautiful southern lilt to her voice. A delightful reflexion of grace a peace at many busy events. Our condolences to Tony and the family.
So very sorry to hear this. Lovely Sara. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. She so enjoyed her kids and grandkids. She will be greatly missed.
Peter and Karen Dyson
from
Merritt Island May 2, 2024
Tony, we are so very saddened by the news of Sara's passing. Whenever we would see her over the past many years (especially if we had a Modus meeting on bridge day at EGYC) she always was so warm and gracious. Our sympathies and prayers are with you and your family. Peter, Karen and your friends at Modus Operandi.
Born July 27, 1942 in Fairhope, Alabama