Paul A. Cataldo

Paul Amedeo Cataldo, age 91, passed away on August 1 , 2026, after a brief illness. Paul was born on May 15th 1935 in Boston. He grew up and spent most of his life in Franklin, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late Joseph and Eileen (Brennan) Cataldo and brother to his late sister, Joan. After graduating from Franklin High class of 1953, he attended Trinity College in Hartford CT. Upon graduation, Paul attended law school at Boston College. He then returned to Franklin to become a practicing attorney. He continued to practice law in Franklin for over sixty years. Thirty of those years, he was proudly joined by his son Joseph.

Along with his late wife of many years, Jean Phelan Cataldo, they raised their three sons in Franklin. The late John P. Cataldo, Joseph P. Cataldo of Norfolk, and Michael P. Cataldo of Franklin.

Outside of his busy career and family, Paul was dedicated to serving his community. He served in various elected positions including State Representative in the Massachusetts State Legislature, school committeeman for the town of Franklin and for over a decade served as the Franklin Town Moderator. Paul was also active on various boards of trustees, including those of Norwood Hospital and Trinity College. He developed a great affinity for his college alma mater where two of his sons and his niece also attended. During his time at Trinity, he was a member of the football team and enjoyed two undefeated seasons. For years Paul would return to Trinity to host tailgate parties and remain active in the college community. Locally, Paul would gather and socialize with many of his closest high school classmates from the class of 53, who would affectionately refer to themselves as the "dizzy dozen". Paul enjoyed family gatherings, especially hosting pool parties with Jean for all the kids and grandkids after the Franklin 4th of July parade. Watching and hearing about his grandchildren's activity and sporting events through the years was always a source of much joy for Paul. He also loved watching college football. Paul was an avid reader particularly of history and Winston Churchill and many will recall his other love… cigars!

Other than his two surviving sons, Paul leaves behind Joseph P. Cataldo's wife, Wendy, and their three sons, Christopher, Michael and Matthew, and Michael P. Cataldo's wife, Amy, and their three children, John, Madison, and Kate. Also surviving is his niece Diane Fierri Brown and nephew Paul Fierri both of Connecticut. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass Monday August 10th, in St. Mary's Church 1 Church Square Franklin at 10AM. To view the Mass stmarysfranklin.org

Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.

Donations in Paul's memory may be sent to the Franklin Food Pantry PO Box 116 Franklin, MA 02038 or franklinfoodpantry.org 

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com