Diane Miller Catullo, 71, of Vero Beach, passed away on Aug. 20, 2014 at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville of complications from liver disease. She was surrounded by her husband of 48 years, Richard, sons Patrick and Kenneth, and her long-time friends Ann and Ira Simon.
She is survived by her husband Richard; sons Kenneth and Patrick (Linda); grandchildren Ryan and Chase; and her brother Russ (Ruth) and their family.
Catullo was born on July 2, 1943 in Upper Darby, Penn. to her parents, Russell and Anne Miller Griesback, who predeceased her.
Along with her beloved brother, Russ, Jr., the Griesback’s moved to East Brunswick, N.J. While attending Montclair State University, she met her future husband, Richard.
She was subsequently honored by selection to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Catullo’s love of education followed throughout her career. She obtained her BA in Spanish, MS, and MA, and the Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership. After teaching for many years, she became principal of two elementary schools, Moriches Elementary in Moriches, N.Y. and Eastplain Elementary in Plainedge, N.Y. Both schools were honored by the NYS Education Department as “National Schools of Excellence” with Catullo at their helm.
After retiring in 2000, she and her husband moved permanently to their much- loved Sea Oaks in Vero Beach. At Sea Oaks, Catullo was active in organizing women’s tennis round robins. She was elected to the River Homes III Board, from which she retired as President. She was also elected to the Sea Oaks Property Owner’s Board, served two terms, and retired this past spring.
Catullo was an avid reader and a good athlete. Twice she won the Mixed Doubles Championship at Sea Oaks. She truly enjoyed her tennis games with “the girls” but LOVED playing with her family-her sons, her daughter-in-law and her “grand boys.”
Arrangements are being made for a private family memorial in New Jersey this September. A Celebration of Dianne’s Life will take place at the Sea Oaks Beach Club on Monday, November 3, at 2 p.m.. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Liver Foundation, or the Sea Oaks Landscape Fund.
