Dr. Philip W. Catalano

Philip William Catalano, M.D. (77) passed away surrounded by his children on January 19, 2024, in his home in Augusta, GA.  Philip, also known as Phil, was born to Dr. Edward William and Mary Suzanne Harrison, on May 4, 1946, in Pittsburgh, PA.  Phil was the second of eleven children.  He is survived by his seven children: daughters Joan Parker (Jim), Beth Norman (Daniel), Rachel Flannigan (Patrick), Caroline Smith (Christopher), Decker Catalano and sons Philip Catalano, Jr. (Corrine) and Harrison Catalano (GiGi), as well as his two former wives, Virginia Ann Catalano and Patricia Ann Catalano.

After graduating in 1964 from Cardinal Newman High School in Columbia, SC, he earned his B.A. degree in English from the University of South Carolina and then went on to earn a medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine in 1972.  

Phil was a dedicated and expert medical professional.  He began his 45 year medical career with a pediatric residency followed by a residency in surgery at Ohio State University Hospital where he was selected as Chief Resident of surgery under the tutelage of Dr. Robert M. Zollinger, master surgeon and educator.  During his residency, Phil authored a chapter on Acute Cholecystitis in the Textbook of Surgery.  In 1979, he moved with his family to Augusta, GA where he specialized in cardiothoracic surgery, thus beginning his career as a heart surgeon which was his true passion.  He was selected by the U.S. Army to establish a cardiothoracic surgery program at Eisenhower Army Medical Center.  He cared for his patients at University Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Trinity Hospital, Eisenhower Army Medical Center and the Medical College of Georgia for over 35 years.  

In his final years, the medical profession that he loved so much returned its love to him.  He was expertly cared for by a number of dedicated doctors, nurses, and caretakers including Shirley Thomas, Jasmine Payton, Izilla Edwards, and Ashley Boese who were there to the end, saying “it was our honor to serve for Dr. C.”  During his last days, Phil was surrounded by all seven of his children and their laughter, songs, prayers, and tears.

The funeral service will be on Saturday, January 27th, 2024, at 2:00pm ET at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church.  The family will receive friends at 1:00pm ET on Saturday, prior to the service in the narthex of the church.  Interment will follow the service in Westover Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Philip William Catalano, Jr., Harrison Catalano, Jim Parker, Daniel Norman, Patrick Flannigan, Christopher Smith, Sawyer Norman, Benjamin Norman, Samuel Norman, Oliver Smith, Connor Flannigan and Thomas Flannigan. 

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may give online to the MCG Scholarship Fund: https://mcgfoundation.org/areas-to-support/scholarship-support/. In the drop-down menu, please choose MCG Scholarships and make sure to put in the comment section that your donation is in memory of Dr. Philip Catalano.