William L. Catto

William L. Catto, known to most as Bill Catto, the quintessential quarterback-turned -community-leader, died Friday, May 24, 2024, at the age of 86.

  Bill, a life-long resident of Auburn, NY, was the first son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Schillace) Catto. As a second-generation Italian American, “Billy” grew up as the all-American boy, lettering in three sports and as quarterback, leading his undefeated football team to the state championships. He was also an outstanding student of the West High School Class of 1955. 

  Bill’s father co-owned Catto & DiFabio garage, and actively discouraged his son’s interest in cars, instead refocusing him on studies.  Bill was recruited to play football at Cornell University. Bill was the first member of his family to attend any college, let alone an Ivy League Institution.

  Bill earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in civil engineering from Cornell University, while leading the Big Red Football team as starting quarterback.  Although he worked during his college years, Bill was also an enthusiastic brother of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and served, for a bit, as fraternity Chaplain. A lifelong learner, Bill also earned a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Syracuse University.

  Bill worked as an engineer and a surveyor early in his career, but upon returning to his hometown, Auburn, contributed to the community initially as the City Engineer of Auburn. His time helping protect the city from the devastating Hurricane Agnes in 1972 (especially his record-breaking purchase of 400 hamburgers and 200 cheeseburgers for the round-the-clock emergency staff) may have overshadowed his many other municipal contributions. 

  Bill may be best known for his long tour of duty as the Director of the Cayuga County Health and Human Services Departments. He was ahead of this time. Before the country became environmentally aware, he worked hard to ensure a clean watershed for Owasco Lake and an overall healthy environment. He was known for his thoughtful leadership combining common sense with a strict adherence to regulations. Catto tirelessly strived to communicate difficult issues to all with his weekly Auburn Citizen newspaper column. His many accomplishments were celebrated by his retirement gala at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where his statewide peers honored his impressive achievements, focused commitment and diplomatic perseverance. 

  After retirement, Bill, an inveterate fighter for the underdog, was proud to serve as a Cayuga County Legislator.  He enjoyed a deep love for family, most recently evidenced by his generous gift-giving and passion for curating (and sharing) family photographs. His multiple coffee groups would meet regularly, plotting and planning to Save the World in their unique ways. He enjoyed travel, especially during his many adventures in Florida. Bill’s passion for family and friends was evident in his unrelenting enthusiasm to gather folks together. 

  He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Cassie (Walsh) Catto. They each grew up on opposite ends of Park Place in Auburn; she was “the little girl up the street”. Their courtship blossomed during their college years, and she was his frequent date at Cornell formals. Bill is survived by his two sisters, Carolyn Cresco and Elissa (Dr. Richard) Rozanski and by his three sons, Edward (Kathe) Catto, Colin (Julie) Catto and Christopher (Traci) Catto. His love for his sons was boundless and clearly evident as he would adapt his own interests to his sons' passions, including hockey and comic books. He is also survived by the grandchildren he continuously celebrated and adored: Joe (Anne) Mecca, Cassie (Eric) Ludwig, Tessa (Jamie) Catto Lacy Rae Catto, Jillian Catto, Abby Catto, Amelia Catto, Melanie Catto and Alex Catto, and his great-grandchildren Rose Mecca, Lula Hope Krieger and Jane Mecca as well as a plethora of nephews, nieces and cousins.

  In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by brother-in-law, Jack Cresco and uncle (and best friend) Dominick (Dundee) Schillace.

  Calling hours are Thursday, May 30th from 4-7 pm at Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn. Bill’s Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 31st at 11:00 am at St. Alphonsus Church with the Rev. Louis Vasile as celebrant. Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, overlooking Owasco Lake.

  Bill’s kind and clear-headed approach to living life was clearly epitomized in the writings of philosopher Marcus Aurelius: "Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one."

   In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider a donation made in Bill's memory to a charity of one's choice.

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