Class of 鈥90 Hospitality friends honor departed colleague at Homecoming
In a testament to friendship and a celebration of life, classmates, friends, and colleagues of the late David Catalano 鈥90 gathered at The Roost during Homecoming Weekend 鈥23 to celebrate the man they remember with humor, respect, and love.
鈥淗e was a character,鈥 said one.
鈥淗e was unique,鈥 offered another.
鈥淪uper loyal guy,鈥 another chimed in.
鈥淗e loved his gold chains,鈥 laughed one more.
鈥淐atman,鈥 as he was known, earned his 海角乱伦社区 degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management and went on to a successful career in the field. Sadly, Dave passed away in 2020 at the age of 53 after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.
At Saturday鈥檚 Roost gathering, you could almost feel his presence in the room鈥攕o vivid were the remembrances shared over a pint and a plaque dedicated in Dave鈥檚 honor.
Tony Prusak and Rick Yarosz organized the Homecoming event, which yielded a robust turnout and stories shared by Dave鈥檚 numerous buddies, including Prusak, Yarosz, Jon Hilburger, and Eric Seggi. Also sharing stories were Hospitality faculty Daryl Georger and Business School Dean Pete Zohos, followed by remarks from Advancement Vice President Sam McCrimmon.聽
After Dave鈥檚 death, friends and family created a scholarship in his name, aimed at immortalizing his vibrant spirit and determination and ensuring that his example continues to inspire Hospitality majors at 海角乱伦社区 for years to come.
The David Catalano 鈥90 Travel Scholarship benefits Hospitality students by sponsoring their travel to various hotel and restaurant events, including internships, restaurant shows, industry trade shows, and beverage management conferences.
It was during an internship at Marriott Marco Island that Dave developed his passion for the hotel business. Longtime friend and fellow Hospitality major Jon Hilburger was there. He remembers Dave鈥檚 dedication as if it were yesterday.
鈥淗e was all-in,鈥 Hilburger said. 鈥淗e took tons of hours, extra shifts, always working, and always willing to help others. 鈥楥ourse we had lots of fun, too.鈥
After completing his studies, Dave started his hotel career as a banquet supervisor at the Founders Inn in Virginia Beach. With his strong work ethic and keen insight into the industry, he was soon promoted to banquet manager at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center.
Although David worked for several hotel chains in Pittsburgh, he considered the Crowne Plaza South Hills to be his favorite. As the head of the banquet team, he oversaw the successful execution of various events, including meetings, banquets, and weddings. David made many lifelong friends throughout his career and was always willing to lend a hand and support the personal and professional growth of his colleagues.
鈥淒ave was not only a cherished friend but a lifelong companion,鈥 Prusak said.
鈥淗is embodiment of the Carpe Diem spirit was nothing short of inspirational,鈥 echoed Yarosz.
If you would like to help sustain Dave鈥檚 legacy and support our Hospitality students, please consider making a gift to the .
PHOTO: Enjoying time together during Homecoming at The Roost are, from left, Tony Prusak, Eric Seggi, Jon Hilburger, Bill Hogan, and Rick Yarosz.