James Catone, Jr

James Catone Jr., age 91, passed away on February 25, 2025. He was born in Troy, NY, and at a young age, he and his family moved to Snyders Corners in Wynantskill.

He had many jobs early in life before opening a Mobil automotive station in Troy. He was a very talented mechanic, repairman, and carpenter who could fix or build anything. Later in life, with the help from his family and friends, he built a garage on his father’s property, known as Catone’s Garage. He enjoyed working on cars and treated his customers like family, creating many long-lasting friendships. On Saturday nights in the summer, he would take his family to the Lebanon Valley Speedway. When a new Street Stock racing division was created, Jim went to work building those cars for his sons and other drivers. Several of those cars won point championships, and he received an award in 1985 from the Lebanon Valley Speedway for that accomplishment.

Jim was a volunteer fireman for the Wynantskill Fire Department for many years. He was a recipient of the Fireman of the Year award in 1969, along with his brother-in-law Merwyn Rich and great friend John Angrisano for forming a human ladder to rescue a person from the second floor of a burning building before the fire trucks arrived. Jim wouldn’t hesitate and was always right there ready to help his family and friends, no matter what was needed. He will be truly missed.

He was predeceased by his wife, Jean Catone.

He is survived by his children: Jimmy (Rhonda), Mike, Patricia (David), and John (Jondelle). Step Children Harry, predeceased John, predeceased Jennifer (Ken). He is also survived by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters, in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends who all meant the world to him.

A Memorial Service with be planned by family. No flowers to family donations may be made to the Wynantskill Fire Depart. 

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