Oscar B. Cataldi Sr. M.D.

Oscar Blas Cataldi M.D., aged 94, of Dayton, Ohio, died peacefully of natural causes while sleeping on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Oscar was born on Dec. 13, 1930 to Amelia and Nicholas Cataldi in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Oscar grew up as an accomplished pianist. He also helped his father run a corner grocery store before he completed a medical degree in Buenos Aires.

He finished his medical studies as an ophthalmologist. He then went to the United States to solidify his knowledge of the English language. It was during this time that Oscar made the decision to become a psychiatrist so he could analyze minds like literary figures Sexton Blake and Sherlock Holmes.

In 1958, during his residency at Philadelphia General Hospital, he met a young psychiatric nurse named Louise Sorkin. Oscar and Louise fell in love and married in 1959. The couple went on to have four children: Oscar Jr., Luis, Alejandro, and Diana.

They were avid travelers and proud to proclaim they danced on every ocean and every continent. During the 60 years they were married, they traveled the world, from the Great Wall of China to the Red Square of Russia, the Pyramids, Taj Mahal, parts of Europe, China, Japan, Machu Picchu and Tierra Del Fuego at the southernmost tip of the world. At the age of 65, Oscar took a solo canoe trip down the Amazon River with a local guide.

Professionally, Oscar met every goal he ever set and was proud to be selected leader of many organizations. The Dayton Mental Health Center named the High Security Wing of their complex after Dr. Cataldi before his retirement as the Medical Director. He was proud to pioneer the collaboration of Wright State University's medical school with the Dayton Mental Health Center to provide experience for medical students in training. Dr. Cataldi worked as a psychiatrist for 52 years, retiring at the age of 80. As Oscar said with a smile, "I Did It My Way."

After retirement, Oscar and Louise enjoyed their time together at 10 Wilmington Place, where he made many friends and championed happy hour gatherings with his wonderful group of companions. He was secure knowing he led a successful and fulfilling life.

Oscar was preceded in death by his wife Louise Cataldi; and son Alejandro Cataldi. He is survived by his beloved children Oscar B. Cataldi Jr. and wife Linda; son Luis Cataldi and wife Caroline; daughter Diana Cataldi; grandchildren Dominic Cataldi, Alexandra Cataldi, Mila Cataldi, Benedetto McGowan Cataldi, Buzz McGowan Cataldi; his sister, Haydee Cipitria with husband Juan Carlos Cipitria; his niece Viviana Cipitria; and great nephew Remo Cipitria.

Oscar requested that no service be held; rather, he wished his ashes to be combined with Louise's so they can be sprinkled in the ocean to continue their adventures together at sea.

He leaves us with his favorite poem by Mexican poet Amando Nervo. His mottos in life are:

EN PAZ

At Peace

Muy cerca de mi ocaso, yo te bendigo, vida,

So near to my decline, I bless you, life

por que nunca me diste ni esperanza fallida

Because you never gave me false hope

ni trabajos injustos ni pena inmerecida;

Or work unjust or punishment undeserved;

Por que veo al final de mi rudo camino

Because I see at the end of my harsh path

que yo fui el arquitecto de mi propio destino,

That I was the architect of my own destiny;

que si extraje las mieles o la hiel de las cosas,

That if I extracted bitterness or sweetness of things,

fue porque en ellas puse hiel o mieles sabrosas;

It was because, in them, l placed a bitter or sweet taste;

cuando planté rosales coseché siempre rosas.

When I planted rose bushes I always harvested roses.

Cierto, a mis lozanias va a seguir el invierno;

It's true though, after my blooming there will be winter

màs tu no me dijiste que mayo fuese eterno!!

But you never told me May was so eternal!

Hallè sin duda largas las noches de mi penas;

I found nights of worry long,

màs no me prometiste tú sólo noches buenas,

But you never promised otherwise,

y en cambio tuve algunas santamente serenas.

Yet I had some that were sacredly serene...

Amè, fui amado, el sol acarició mi faz. Vida, nada màs me debes!!

Life, you owe me nothing!

¡Vida estamos en paz!.

Life, we are at peace!

Amado Nervo. .