Ernest W. Cattani

On Monday, April 2, 2012, with sun shining bright over Bourbonnais, heaven opened and God embraced his never-forgotten son, Ernest William Cattani. He was 88, and forever, fondly known as "GrandDude." Born Onesto G. Cattani on Feb. 20, 1924, in Perth Amboy, N.J. to his parents Louis (a terra-cotta modeling artist) and Catherine (a fabulous homemaker) Cattani. Onesto Cattani (mechanics and engineering) was the youngest of three children. His brother, Dante Cattani (also an artist), presently lives in Harleyville, Pa.; and his sister, Ida Sciarra (worked for the airlines), presently lives in Auburn, Calif. GrandDude had a blended family of 10 children. They are, David, Linda and Cathy Cattani (Mary Cattani their mother); Ronald, Michael and Stephen Sparks (Ronald Sparks Sr. their father); Christopher M. Trivette (passed away Sept. 20, 1997, Dick Trivette his father); Michelle "Shelley" R. Jensen-Carroll (born Trisha Jean Aug. 13, 1964, at San Mateo Hospital in California); Beckie Cattani Ellis, daughter in Bourbonnais, and Tina Cattani (Patricia Lee their mother); and all of the extended families from these children. He has 16 beautiful grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Ernest cherished life and anything that flies. As a boy, he worked at a baseball field in Pennsylvania, selling pretzels. When the baseballs flew over the wall, Ernie started a fascination with flying, and he began watching birds and bugs to see how they fly. Later he became an aircraft mechanic and may, or may not, have had military affiliations. He began designing and building new aircraft at Bud Aircraft Co. He shared his plans with Mr. Paisecki and explained that rotating blades and a tail rotor could make a helicopter rise straight up and descend straight down. They rented a small building and began working on the PV1 and PV2, which became successful flying machines. Much later in life, Ernest Cattani worked in engineering at Harvey's Casino in Lake Tahoe, Nev., until his retirement. GrandDude was blessed with many amazing caretakers, including whole-heartedly loved Keith Moss, M.D., and staff. He will be missed dearly by all of us. GrandDude was always "On The Road Again." At his request, his direct cremation was honorably and professionally carried out by Clancy-Gernon Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make all donations to Hospice of Kankakee Valley, 482 Main St. NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914. Phone: 815-939-4141. Ernest W. Cattani, the boy who watched the birds and bugs while selling pretzels at a baseball field in Pennsylvania so many years ago, is now resting peacefully with God. Amen. "God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called." In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley - www.hkvcares.org. There will be no visitation or services; cremation rites have been accorded.

Ernest W. Cattani

February 20, 1924 - April 2, 2012