Roger Ned Katen, age 77, of Shelton, CT, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2024 with family at his side. Born on August 28, 1946, to Philip Katen and Alice Hawa Katen, in Brooklyn, NY, Roger was a man whose charisma and outgoing nature charmed everyone he met. He was a devoted husband and is survived by his wife, Faye Restaino Katen, with whom he shared a 20 year marriage. Faye will forever treasure the memories, quick wit, and love he so generously gave.
He was not only a cherished husband but also a steadfast older brother to his sisters and brothers in laws who survive him; Elaine Perna and her husband Tom, and Claudia Desmond and her husband Phil. Growing up in a close knit family, his cousins, Kathy and Ronnie Takla, Paul and Anne Hawa, and Alan and Zivile Khoury, were his best friends and confidantes and always “had each other’s backs”, no matter where they were in the world.
Roger was a devoted father to his children, Kelly Katen, Roger Katen and his wife Michelle, Heather Burket and her husband Chris, Nick Restaino and his wife Blanca, Julieanne Gillespie and her husband Andy. His role as “Jiddo” to his grandchildren filled him pride, as he watched Dylan (21), Jamie (16), Annaliese (8), Elise (9), Adeline (5), Christopher (24), Emily (17), Alexandra (20), and Madison (18) grow into kind, caring, and giving young people, who value family above all else. He embraced each moment with them with a spirit of joy and dedication, even if he got a little nervous when, as little ones, they would stand on chairs or do flips into the pool.
Roger’s life was a testament to his strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to living life to its fullest despite adversity. As a young child he survived polio, and could be found playing stickball, with a broomstick handle, while wearing his leg brace post hospitalization, in between the brownstones of his Bay Ridge neighborhood with cousins and friends. His love of sports continued as he managed his Hartwick College soccer team, was a soccer coach to his kids’ teams growing up, took up tennis and golf in his 20’s and 30’s, and was always willing to talk baseball with like-minded Yankee fans. Polycystic kidney disease tried to derail his love of travel but taking a leap of faith with the generosity of a kidney donor, he was back on track visiting places near and far, from Mexico to Italy, and everywhere in between with family and friends.
Throughout his life, Roger exemplified the values of hard work, integrity, and quick thinking. His career in banking as an estate trustee for Union Trust and later US Trust (Bank of America) was marked by diligence and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers alike. He was a researcher and a problem solver at heart, so when you had a question, be it financial, medical, or anything in between, he would research articles, later the web, and find a possible solution that might just be the answer that you needed. It was his unwavering support for those he loved that truly defined his character. He would move mountains to make the path clear for those that he cherished.
In his prime and beyond, Roger enjoyed listening to music by the pool, reading the NY Times, attending a live sports event, watching a good debate about politics (which he liked better if he was on the winning side) or a compelling drama on TV, enjoying a delicious meal over shared stories with friends and family, eating pancakes in the morning drenched with syrup and maybe even some whipped cream, and sharing puppy love with his Maltipoo, Sami.
His stories and laughter will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is remembered not just for his accomplishments as a husband, father, grandfather, cousin, and friend, but for the perseverance, resilience, and love he has instilled in us all and was shared throughout his life.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate the life of a remarkable man who will be deeply missed but forever cherished, by making a donation to the PKD Foundation @ https://pkdcure.org/, a cause that was close to Roger’s heart in lieu of flowers. As the memorial will be a small celebration of Roger’s life, in line with his wishes, our family would greatly appreciate any photos or stories about Roger that you would like to share. You can send them to hkaten@gmail.com.
Roger Ned Katen’s legacy of love, strength, and kindness will continue to inspire and comfort those who knew him. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who had the honor of calling him family and friend.
The Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd., Shelton has been entrusted with his arrangements.
Friends may leave condolences at www.riverviewfh.com.
