Sara Catanese
Born July 27, 1942 in Fairhope, AlabamaDeparted 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.