Robert H. Cato's Obituary
As a boy, Bob Cato was raised, along with his sister, Anne, in Pennsylvania and Michigan by his father and mother. Bob was on the track team in high school, in the Navy during the Vietnam War, and is the father of three (FIVE including our BLENDED family; Amy, Emily, Tom, (CATO) & Mike, Colleen (KER-SHOW). He is called “Grampy” by his six grandchildren: Weston-22, Michael Joseph-14, Maria-12, Peter-11, Michael Weston-12, and Martin-9.
After Vietnam, Bob attended Wayne State University ~ receiving Master’s Degrees in both Ancient History & Clinical Psychology. Bob has written 2 books in his chosen specialty ~ of ~ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and has always loved animals.
One year ago, Bob was diagnosed with inoperable aggressive, Small Cell Lung Cancer ~ Stage Four.
At MOFFITT Cancer Center in Tampa Florida, Bob received treatment. Bob qualified for two clinical trials in Florida. This past spring, Bob chose to come to Michigan to be near family and friends. At Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion in Grand Rapids, Bob continued treatment by means of clinical trials that he qualified.
This past July, Bob was no longer eligible for treatment. He continued to live life as he was able…basic things like driving his Corvette, shopping, walking to the mail box, and “CHORES” this strong, independent, determined man required assistance. This assistance came in many forms, the Fruitport Football team, Home Hospice Care, friends and family.
Thank you all for your contributed help and support. It was very much appreciated.
Bob passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at home. His wake and viewing will take place at his residence, 278 8th Ave, Fruitport, MI 49415 on Saturday, October 19 from 10AM – 2PM, and Sunday, October 20 from 7 – 8AM. There will be a Memorial Service on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 10:00 AM at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 524 Washington Ave. Grand Haven, MI 49417.
There will also be another service on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, 4800 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48201, followed by a gathering of family and friends at Evergreen Cemetery, 19807 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203.
Arrangements are being handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee. O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.”
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