Joseph Caterina

In the early morning hours of Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, Joseph (Joe) Caterina unexpectedly passed away in his home at the age of 75. Joe was born in Adrian, Mich. to his loving parents Louis and Hilda Caterina, on September 4, 1948. Joe lived in Tecumseh, Mich. for most of his life surrounded by his family and friends. He graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1966 and later attended Siena Heights University.

In 1967, Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve in Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines and was decorated with three Purple Hearts, Combat Action Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. After returning stateside, Joe worked for Tecumseh Products as Assistant Sales Manager International Division.

Joe was an avid agriculturalist who dedicated over 45 years to farming, though his most enduring love was for his beautiful wife, Laura, to whom he was married for 50 years. Together they laid down their roots on Matthews Highway where they bought their family farm in 1978 and raised their four children. 

 
Joe was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his wife, Laura; his four children, Brooke (William), Marc (Diana), Chelsea (Martin), Alex (Auja); and six grandchildren, Estelle, Ingrid, Lucia, Dani, Everett, and Ripplee. He is survived by his siblings, Louie, Cindy, Patty, Mimi, Tony, Peter, Lisa, Johnny and Danny.  

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, at St. Elizabeth Church, 506 N. Union St., Tecumseh. A Funeral Mass will follow at noon with Fr. Daniel Wheeler as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, we appreciate donations to Joe’s beloved causes: Lenawee Humane Society and Michigan Radio/NPR.  Arrangements are under the care of the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be offered to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.