Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard
Link copied to clipboard
Exclusive to subscribersYou can now gift articles

Jerry Catania, 77, Ten Pennies florist

Gerald Catania, 77, of South Philadelphia, co-owner of Ten Pennies, a popular floral shop, died of natural causes Saturday, June 19, at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Gerald Catania
Gerald CataniaRead more

Gerald Catania, 77, of South Philadelphia, co-owner of Ten Pennies, a popular floral shop, died of natural causes Saturday, June 19, at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Anna Catania said she would arrange the flowers - white orchids, roses and Casablanca lilies - for her husband's funeral because "he deserves the best." She called Mr. Catania "one in a million," a husband who could name her favorite lipstick color and recognize her presence by the scent of her signature Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume.

The Catanias had just celebrated 35 years of marriage - and 34 years of running Ten Pennies, whose clients have included former Gov. Ed Rendell and practically every Philadelphia professional sports team.

"He was the hidden force behind me," his wife said. "People didn't know what he did privately to help other people. It didn't matter who you were - if you were a man who cleaned trash cans, a woman who was a domestic, or the president - Jerry treated everyone equally."

It was Mr. Catania, she said, who encouraged her to open Ten Pennies. When they launched their first store at 1913 S. Broad St. in the early 1980s, Anna Catania said, Mr. Catania "gave everything up for me." They had their ups and downs with the business, she said, but he was always there, patient and kind.

Previously, he was been a Bucks County commissioner and a steelworker, and established lifelong friendships in those roles. One of those friendships was with Muhammad Ali's former business manager, Gene Kilroy. Now a consultant for MGM hotels in Las Vegas, Kilroy will deliver a eulogy.

"I wouldn't do this for anyone, but I would do it for him," Kilroy said, describing Mr. Catania as "my right-hand man" and recalling his talent for making anyone feel immediately at home, "kings and queens" or "humble people."

Pasquale T. "Pat" Deon Sr., chairman of the SEPTA board, said he had looked up to Mr. Catania since he was a teenager. In all of his endeavors - from proposing to his wife to applying for his current job - Mr. Catania encouraged him, he said.

Their relationship was like that of father and son, Anna Catania said. Last weekend, Deon sent a Father's Day card to his mentor, thanking him for "all the things you've taught me," she added. Deon will also give a eulogy for the man he'll remember for his impeccable dress and unmatched poise.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Catania is survived by a daughter, Angela Page; two grandchildren; two brothers; and a sister.

A viewing will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, June 26, at the Church of St. Rita of Cascia, 1166 S. Broad St, followed by a Funeral Mass. Burial will be at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.

Condolences may be offered to the family at http://www.montiragofuneralhome.com.