By Ivan Pereira
During her eulogy at the funeral service Friday for Richmond Hill native and historian Nancy Cataldi, Laurie Joachim told more than 100 mourners that she could never talk about her friend in the past tense.
Although they had known each other for only 15 months, Joachim said the 55−year−old photographer was one of the most loving people she had ever met.
“Nancy is my friend and that will always be present tense,” she said as tears ran down her eyes.
Joachim wasn’t the only one struggling to hide her grief, as more than 100 friends and family filled the pews at the The Church of Holy Child Jesus on 86th Avenue to say one final goodbye to their community stalwart, who died of a brain hemorrhage Oct. 30. Cataldi, president of the Richmond Hill Historical Society and historian for the Maple Grove Cemetery, vigorously pushed to keep the nearly 150−year−old community’s legacy alive for the future.
Whether it was restoring her 1905 Victorian house or facilitating the annual “Spirits Alive” show, in which community members dressed up as famous figures who were buried at Maple Grove, those close to her said she went above and beyond to teach residents about Richmond Hill.
“The maker made her and imparted a grace that let her capture what he created,” said Rev. Thomas Catanai, who had known Cataldi for years.
Cataldi, survived by her father, Albert Cataldi Sr.; three brothers, Albert Jr., Michael and Joseph; and sister Rosemary, had fought long and hard to make Richmond Hill a historical district. She had pushed for the community’s recognition with the city Landmarks Preservation Commission and never backed down when she got no for an answer, according to Catanai.
It was that love for history that connected Cataldi to so many people, including Joachim. The Manhattan resident met Cataldi at a memorial event for famous Richmond Hill rock musician Johnny Thunder and remembered happy moments when they would chat for hours about relationships and rock music over drinks.
“I could listen for hours about stories about Club 82 and what it was like to kiss Johnny Thunder,” she said during her eulogy.
After graduating from Richmond Hill High School, Cataldi attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned a degree in photography. She had shot a wide variety of persons and subjects, including the New York Rangers and models for a woman’s fashion catalogue.
Longtime friends, like Diane Freel, said she not only worked hard for the community’s interests, but also had the energy to entertain and enlighten those closest to her.
“I can imagine Nancy looking at this today and saying, ‘Wow, look at all the people here,’ ” she said during her eulogy.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e−mail at ipereira@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 146.
