LISBON FALLS — Joseph G. Katula Jr. passed away peacefully at home May 22, following a long illness and surrounded by family.

He was born in Lewiston on Oct. 12, 1941, to Helen R and Joseph G. Katula. He grew up in the Lisbon area and attended the local schools.

On June 12, 1971, he married Kathleene Wilkins and they made their home in Lisbon Falls, where they were soon blessed with the births of their sons Joseph George Katula III and John Paul Katula. He was a skilled mechanic, and his love of auto racing was evident as he enjoyed many years working on #14 and competing at local tracks in Maine. A fan of NASCAR, in his later years he could be found on many a Sunday afternoon watching the race on TV.

Joe loved his lifelong work as a heavy equipment operator and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4 for most of his career. He loved his children and was proud of them: John, also a heavy equipment operator; Joe, a skilled mechanic; and Laurie, who brought a spiritual presence to his life that he would find to be such a comfort in his later years.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his daughter, Laurie Veno, and her husband, Richard, of New Hampshire; his sons: John Katula of New Jersey and Joseph Katula III of Lisbon Falls; his grandchildren: Aaron Veno, Katie Drew, Kane Strout, Sydney and Avery Katula and Joseph Katula IV; his great-grandchildren: Lexington Drew and Brendan Veno; his sisters: Bev Lombard of Sabattus and Betty Lessard of British Columbia; his nieces: Rhonda Farrell, Lisa Gayton Goddard, Brenda Gayton and Erica Ouellet; his nephew, Steven Lessard, of British Columbia; and his beloved dog, Maney.

He was predeceased by his father, Joseph George Katula Sr.; his mother, Helen Russel Trundy; and his nephew, Richard (Rick) Gayton Jr., with whom he shared a very special bond.

A special thank you to the staff at Lewiston Auburn Kidney Center and Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice.

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Joseph G. Katula Jr.