Robert Peter Catalano, 61, died on February 25, 2024.

Our Sweet Baby was born on July 30, 1962. He was diagnosed at birth with Down's Syndrome. He was delightful, happy, and eager to learn. When he was two years old his baby sister, Claire Marie, arrived at Bobby's utter delight.

Although Bob had two older siblings Vincent and Laura throughout his life, Claire was special to him.

A Nun, Sister Mary Petrosky from the Cardinal Hayes Home for Children in Millbrook suggested that Bob would benefit by being with normal children under the tutelage of Sister Emily Marie Duchaney and her group, "The Chicks," Bobby thrived. We will be eternally grateful to those wonderful Franciscan Missionaries of Mary for giving our son a wonderful well-mannered and very happy foundation in life. From there, Bob went on to BOCES and then to Roosevelt High School, graduating after four years with a certificate.

When he was 21 Bob went to live in a group home under the auspices of Abilities First. Don Peck and Betty Clark were house managers and did a great job. Bob had a girlfriend at this point, Margaret Mauriello. Don and Betty took Bob and Margaret to Disney World, a highlight of their lives.

Bob had jobs at Malloy's Pharmacy, Saint Francis Hospital, Hyde Park Florist and Abilities First Workshop.

Bob had a full and happy life. He was adored by his parents and siblings. Everyone he knew loved him.

Our special thanks to Emilie Duchaney and Sister Mary at the Cardinal Hayes Home for Children, his teachers at the schools he attended, Kathi Doro and her wonderful family who had Bob for dinner, the neighbors who let him swim in their pool, Bill Carroll and Raina Levy from Abilities First who was never too busy to answer any questions I might have and all the great staff of Spy Hill especially Kayden and Matthew. We can never thank you enough. For those too numerous to mention, please accept our heartfelt thanks.

Relatives and friends may call from 5pm to 8 pm on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9:30am on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel of St. Peter's Church, 185 Hudson View Drive, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Abilities First, 99 Inwood Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or www.abilitiesfirstny.org.

May God bless you all abundantly.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.