Who We Are
Who We Are
Our staff of professionals has years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. Each comes to us because we are leaders in our profession, with dedication to service and professional integrity.
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When we sit down with a family, our shared goal is to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. We offer them a wide variety of services and products, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions. Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
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Our History
In 1954 Sam Cataudella and his brother, Sully purchased D’amico and Sons Funeral Home on Garden Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts. D'amico and Sons was family owned and well respected since 1929. The Cataudella brothers continued that tradition for over 25 years.
In 1979 Sam's son, Joseph carried on the family business. “Though my formative years, I always had a keen interest in my fathers business”, says Joe, “so, it was only natural after graduating from Lawrence High School, that I entered the New England Institute of Mortuary Science. Upon graduation, I gained valuable experience working with my Dad, until he retired in 1979 and I became the second generation owner”. Joe's son Stuart continues the family tradition as a third generation funeral director and his daughter Amber Cataudella-Conran continues to serve the local community, engaging in many of the funeral home outreach programs.
In 1994 Joseph J. Cataudella moved the business to neighboring Methuen in order to better serve the community. While considering building designs, Joseph and his wife, Susan, visited Atlanta, Georgia and toured many southern mansions and estates. They loved the columns, classic style and charming interiors of these grand southern residential homes. After much discussion they chose the present building style of Cataudella Funeral Home.
Our Valued Staff
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Joseph J. Cataudella, Owner / President“Joe” was born in Lawrence where he was raised and educated. He was a graduate of Lawrence High School and New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Science, Embalming and Funeral Directing in Boston. Joe has been licensed since 1964.
Joe purchased the business from his father and uncle in 1979 and continued the funeral home operation in Lawrence for many years. He purchased land and built a new facility in the neighboring Town of Methuen in 1993. Joe operated out of both locations and eventually sold the Lawrence location due to the large increase in volume at the Methuen funeral home.
Joe married his wife Susan in 1966 and they have two children, Stuart Cataudella and Amber Cataudella - Conran. He also has two grandchildren Joey and Meaghan who are the love of his life. Joe enjoys golfing, hunting and is an avid fly fisherman.
Joe and his wife Susan now reside in Amesbury, MA and also have a home in Florida. Joe is semi retired but still comes into work daily. He is a member of St. Alfio’s Society of Lawrence, Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Rosary Church in Lawrence, Lawrence Sons of Italy Lodge 902, Lawrence Elks, Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, Trout Unlimited and the Salmon Federation.
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Christopher P. Chetsas, Owner / Managing Partner“Chris” was born in Amesbury, MA and was raised and educated in Newburyport, MA. He was a graduate of Newburyport High School, class of 1976 and New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Science, Embalming and Funeral Directing, Boston, MA. class of 1978. He has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 1978.
Chris worked in the Boston and North Shore area for many years as a funeral director and embalmer. In 1985 he started his own company called Chetsas Trade Services which serviced many funeral homes in Boston and the North Shore.
In 1985, Joe Cataudella hired Chris to handle all of his embalming and also hired him to help on funerals. In 2001 Chris sold his business and took a full time position with the funeral home as a funeral director and embalmer. In 2008 he was promoted to Managing Partner.
Chris resides in North Andover, MA and is an avid runner. Chris has run nineteen marathons, has qualified for the Boston Marathon eight times and has run six consecutive Boston Marathons. He is past president of the Merrimack Valley Striders of Andover and a founding member of the Goon Squad Runners of North Andover. Chris is a member of the Lawrence Exchange Club, New England USATF, Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce and also plays the drums with Campbell Highlanders Pipe Band in Andover, MA.
