David Cataldo

David Cataldo, 74, of Spencer, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025. 

He was the proud son of the late Lewis Cataldo, M.D. and Francoise (Smith) Cataldo, both of Worcester. 

Dave was born on November 18, 1950 in Portland, Maine and later spent his childhood on Mill Street in Worcester. He graduated from Assumption Preparatory School in 1968 and Framingham State College in 1975. 

Dave earned his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 1979, and dutifully practiced law for over 45 years. As a criminal defense attorney, Dave and his law partner built Maynard & Cataldo, a successful firm that spanned decades. He was known for his big personality, quick wit and sharp sense of humor. His booming voice could be heard throughout the building whenever he had a case in the courthouse. 

Dave was a lifelong sports fan. He played baseball and basketball in Worcester city leagues and at Assumption Prep. He loved to reminisce about his childhood, playing sports with friends, and besting opponents on the basketball court. Dave loved walking the beach in search of seashells, sand dollars and sharks’ teeth. He also enjoyed long car rides, complete with wrong turns, a few hearty swears and, of course, a Red Sox game on the radio. 

He is survived by his longtime partner, Bonnie Gannon, and his three daughters, Leah (Cataldo) O'Brien, Melanie Cataldo, and Roseanne Cataldo and their mother, Marianne. Dave reveled in his daughters' successes in school and in sports. He could be found in the stands at every game, cheering loudly and debating the fairness of calls. He was very proud of his three daughters and especially proud of his four grandchildren, Cormac, Henry, Leo, and Ramona. Dave is also survived by his siblings Cynthia (Cataldo) Wiffin, Peter Cataldo, and Ruth Cataldo, and his many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister Suzanne (Cataldo) Davies. 

Family and friends are invited to calling hours Thursday, August 14th from 10-2 pm at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, followed by a 2:00pm service at the funeral home.