Santo S. Cataudella, DMD

Santo S. "Sam" Cataudella, DMD, 93, of North Andover passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 7, 2021.  Born and raised in Lawrence, MA, he was the son of the late Corrado and Mary (Nocera) Cataudella. 

He graduated from Lawrence High School and attended Holy Cross College on a music scholarship, graduating with a degree in Biology in 1949.  He went on to receive degrees from Boston University and Tufts Dental School, and became a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. 

He established his practice in Lawrence and Andover and proudly served patients in the Merrimack Valley and beyond for three decades. In 1988, Sam retired from private practice and began his second career as a professor at the Harry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry at Boston University where he educated countless students in the practical and personal skills of his profession.  Known by many as "Dr. C" or "Doc Sam", he was a skilled surgeon who was known for treating his patients with respect and compassion, and was revered by his colleagues and students. 

 Sam was also an accomplished pianist and baritone soloist, and classical music was his hobby and passion.  As a boy soprano, Sam delighted radio and live audiences with his heavenly voice especially his rendition of Ave Maria which he sang at countless weddings as a child and adult.  He was the Holy Cross chapel organist during his years at Holy Cross, crooned in Boston piano bars for tips to help finance his education, performed with a cruise ship's orchestra on a voyage to Europe in 1950, and later sang with the Handel and Haydn Society and the Chorus Pro Musica in venues such as Boston's Symphony Hall.  He also served as a guest soloist for the Phillips Academy Music Department throughout his life and accompanied them on concert trips to Europe.  He found some of his greatest joy in singing at the local hospital Christmas parties, gathering with family and friends around the piano, and practicing his craft late into the evening after coming home from work. 

Sam was a devoted father and husband who happily participated in running the household with his wife of 60 years, Barbara.  He enjoyed food shopping, making a big batch of red sauce, and grilling outdoors while sipping a martini at the family summer home in Falmouth, MA.  He and Barbara loved to entertain and were frequent hosts for holiday family gatherings and parties at their homes.  Sam was happiest when surrounded at home by his wife, children and grandchildren, engaged in spirited conversation, and enjoying his wife's cooking.  He will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched. 

Santo was predeceased by his siblings, Connie and Salvatore "Sully" Cataudella. 

He is survived by his wife Barbara (Fiore) Cataudella; his children, Mary Cataudella and husband William MacDonald of Andover, Dr. John Cataudella and wife Maureen of Marshfield, MA, Anita Wright and husband Craig of East Hampton, Long Island, NY, and Christine Hopkins and husband Robert of Swampscott; his grandchildren, Elise, Anna, Rose, Roy, Stephen, Michael, Colin, and Caleb.  He also leaves many nieces and nephews. 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Cross Fund, PO Box Dev 1, Holy Cross College, 1 College Street, Worcester, MA  01610.  Please include a note that the donation is to be directed to the Holy Cross Music Department.

                                                                                                                                       
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, September 12, 2021 from 3:00-7:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St. Methuen.  The Family kindly requests that all unvaccinated visitors wear masks at visiting hours. His funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 13, 2021 at St. Michael Church, 196 Main St. North Andover.  Burial will be in Ridgewood Cemetery, North Andover.