Joseph Catarina, beloved husband of the late Helen Joyce Bourg Catarina, passed away on Dec. 22, 2008, at the SE Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve. He was 90 years old. A 12-year veteran of the US Army, holding the rank of Master Sergeant, he served in the 5th Infantry Regiment of the 71st Infantry Division of General George Patton’s 3rd. Army. He fought in the European Theatre all across Europe, was awarded campaign medals and awarded the personal medals of Good Conduct with two bronze stars and the Bronze Star Medal for heroic or meritorious achievement of service.

After the war, he served in Okinawa, Japan, with the American Occupation forces. He also served during the Korean Conflict. He was the Past Commander of American Legion Post #131 in Luling and VFW Post #3750, also of Luling.

He worked for American Cyanamid for 17 years, and also for Brown & Root Company. He also taught automotives at Hahnville High School.

He is survived by his step-daughter Anna K. Keller and her husband Lionel of Luling, brother Anthony Caterina of Stuart, Fla., sister Margie C. Watson of Watertown, Mass. He is also survived by grandchildren Mari Keller Sebeth and husband Keith of Frisco, Colo., Sgt. Timothy L. Keller and companion Angela Boone of Orange, Miss., LCDR David M. Keller and wife Tina B. Keller of Fredericksburg, Va., three great-grandchildren, Rebecca D. Noell and husband Bradley of Golden, Colo., Benjamin D. Dyer of Spartanburg, S.C., and Alexander J. Keller of Fredericksburg, Va., and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Eugenio Natale and Theresa Bartolotti Caterina, both natives of Cropani, Colabria Province, Italy, and residents of Massachusetts, and a brother, Thomas Caterina.

Honors Military Funeral with visitation was held on Monday, Dec. 29, at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Luling. Military Burial Honors followed in the St. Charles Cemetery.