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Michael G. Catrambone, 85

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - Michael George Catrambone, 85, of 150 Ashland St. died Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. Mr. Catrambone was a Navy veteran of World War II who participated in the Invasion of Normandy. A Legionnaire for more than 65 years, his dedication to veterans services and organizations was marked last month with the planting of two lilac trees in his honor at the Veterans Circle in Southview Cemetery. Mayor Richard Alcombright described him as a city "legend." Born in North Adams on Jan. 15, 1925, son of George and Marianna Cirullo Catrambone, he attended city schools. Mr. Catrambone was last employed at Bushika Sand and Gravel until his retirement. He had been a certified, professional ski instructor at the former Dutch Hill Ski Area in Heartwellville, Vt., and also taught all his nieces and nephews how to ski. He was a communicant of the former St. Anthony of Padua Church, where he was an usher. He was a member of Frank R. Stiles Post 125 American Legion and Dr. George L. Curran Post 996 VFW. For many years, he folded the flag and sang taps at the cemetery for funerals of veterans. An active athlete, he enjoyed tennis and cross country skiing well into his 80s. He leaves two sisters, Rose Vareschi and Domenica "Minnie" Grande, both of North Adams, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Joseph Catrambone, Angela Catrambone, Elizabeth Mastroianni, Teresa Deso, Rita DiSanti and Antoinette Catrambone. FUNERAL NOTICE - The services for Mr. Catrambone will be held Saturday, June 5, at 10 from Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:45 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours will Friday, June 4, from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made the Turner House for Veterans or the Vermont Veterans Home in care of the funeral home.
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im so sad to hear of mikes passing he truely was a north adams institution so full of stories of north adams my favorite being the one when jack kennedy was marching in the foliage parade and had some free time before the parade so mike was asked to chauffer jack and jackie a the around the area to see all the points of interest he said it was one of the proudest and best times he ever had .he will sadly be missed by a lot of people .
from: gene kempon: 06-05-2010
Mike Catrambone will be remembered for many wonderful things - perhaps most importantly his leadership in Veterans' affairs. But to me, he will always be THE ski god (small "g") of our region.

I began skiing in 1968 at Dutch Hill and Mike was already THE MAN on that mountain. Short in stature but very long in skis, his smooth movements inspired everyone that they could do it just as easily as he could. I had never skied with anyone at all similar to Mike until I spent a few hours with former Olympian Stein Erikson many years later.

Mike inspired me to advance and, ultimately I dedicated eight years to mastering the wedeln and serving on Dutch Hill's Ski Patrol followed by thirty years of PSIA Certified skiing and snowboard teaching at Jiminy Peak and a few other larger mountains while testing equipment for several manufacturers.

After a long day on the slopes, Mike would quickly repair to Nick DelNegro's fabled Mohawk Ski Shop - a den of Nick's swirling pipe smoke and snow stories where Mike held court while continuing to help people through his mastery of the sport and its gear.

We all had our share of sports heros as kids. If you were fortunate enough to ever experience one of his skiing stories, it could be lengthy but always told in very short sentances to keep you riveted. Sharing skiing stories with Mike Catrambone was similar to what you might expect in a chat with Yaz, Russell or Orr while walking down Main Street in North Adams.

Among all else, Mike Catrambone was our own, home-grown, everyday, skiing living legend.
from: Bruce Whitneyon: 06-03-2010
Mike was also a member of the Fraternal order of Eagles #310 in N. Adams. Mike would stop in the club everyday with a smile on his face and sometimes with a story to tell. His brothers will miss him very much. Rest in piece my brother.
from: Tim Lescarbeauon: 06-03-2010
Mike was a gentleman and a very strong advocate for area veterans.
He always gave me plenty of insight on Vets issues when he was my guest on WNAW.
North Berkshire has lost a great man.
May you rest in peace Mike and I send my condolences to your family and friends.
from: Mark Powellon: 06-02-2010
We were sorry to hear of the passing of Michael Catrambone who gave so much to this country and it's people. Although he has left us, he will live on in our memories.
from: Vin Melitoon: 06-02-2010
Mike will continue to be remembered as a man who not only loved his country but also his concern for humanity. He touched the lives of many people of the area and State in a way in which we all should strive to do. Sorry to hear of his passing but, he continues to live on in our memories.
from: Vin Melitoon: 06-02-2010
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