Alumni Spotlight

Tony Catullo, Class of 1959

More than 60 years after beginning his association with De La Salle Collegiate, Tony Catullo, is still involved with his classmates, organizing luncheons and parties. He began attending the Annual Christian Brothers’ Dinner about ten years ago, at the urging of his fellow classmate the late Gerald Langwerowski, and now serves on the Christian Brothers’ Dinner Committee. Many of the gift certificates in the Silent Auction at the Dinner are the direct result of Tony’s solicitation of businesses in the area. “There aren’t many guys like Tony Catullo,” says Director of Advancement, Chris Czarnik. “The pure force of his dedication to friendships formed many years ago is inspiring.” When Tony worked on his 50th Reunion for the Class of 1959, he contacted Bill Conway, ‘58, for his ship’s bell. At the Class of 1958 50th reunion, Bill had brought the bell to ring once each time for a deceased classmate. Although Tony and Bill were not acquainted in high school, the contact began a friendship which has led to both classes having an annual Christmas party together. Bill says, “Tony is a great guy. He thinks of everybody.”

Bill Conway, ‘58 and Tony Catullo, ‘59

Tony has recently added “guest speaker” to his resume, speaking with Dennis Koch’s Banking and Accounting classes, and meeting with students preparing for DECA competition during the second semester. Dennis said, “Tony talked about a variety of business topics. He has so many years of varied experiences. But what really comes across is Tony’s work ethic and dedication to the type of details that give a person the chance to be successful. And they are all centered around treating people the right way. I think students got a lot from that message.” The classroom is not an unfamiliar place for Tony, who taught several business classes part-time at Macomb Community College from 1972 - 1984. Tony graduated from the Detroit Institute of Technology (DIT) in 1966 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, and a minor in Accounting. He began his career at Detroit Bank and Trust, then moved into retail, training as a buyer for J.L. Hudson’s and later Crowley