Marijan Katnich Jr.

Marijan (Mutt) Katnich Jr. was born on May 5, 1938 to Mary and Marijan Katnich Sr. He passed away on March 5, 2025.
A lifelong resident of San Pedro, California, Mutt attended Leland Street Elementary, Dana Junior High, San Pedro High, and Harbor College.

Mutt married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Sestich, on August 30, 1958. They were blessed with a beautiful and loving marriage for almost 67 years. Together they raised four daughters and had 10 grandkids and 15 great-grandkids.

Mutt was a commercial fisherman from age 18. He fished on several boats in San Pedro, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico. He owned and was skipper of the fishing boat the Commodore.
In 1963, Mutt became a longshoreman with the ILWU Local 13. He was one of the first hammerhead crane operators on the waterfront. He was also a Lineman, and later became a Marine Clerk with ILWU Local 63 until he retired in 2006.

Mutt was a member of the San Pedro Elks Lodge, the 20-30 Club, the DB Club, the Dalmatian American Club, and the Majestic and Los Verdes Golf Clubs.

Mutt was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, known by the grandkids as Papa or Papa Mutt. He will be remembered by many friends of all ages who were drawn to him because of his infectious, fun-loving personality and his incredible humor.

Mutt was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Marijan Katnich Sr., and sister Rena (Frank) Bosnich.
He is survived by his loving wife, Arlene; his daughters Michelle Katnich, Terri (Eddie) Sullivan, Gina (Ken) Potter, Candi (Tony) Sary; his grandchildren, Andria (Roberto) Lo Grande, Eddie (Codi) Sullivan, Phil (Nicole) Trani, Vince (Yvette Monreal) Sullivan, Matt (Taylor) Sullivan, Jake (Michelle) Sullivan, Rusty (Danielle) Sary, Kenny Potter, Cinnamon Sary, Carly (Erik Gutierrez) Potter; 15 great grandchildren; his brother Bob (Mara) Katnich; many nieces and nephews and Katnic cousins.

A special thank you to his night caretaker, Jojo Pajarello, who became family to all of us. Also, thanks to Providence hospice who took special care in Mutt's last days.

Services will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10:30 am at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. 870 W. 8th Street, San Pedro, California 90731.
Reception immediately following at the Dalmatian-American Club, 1639 S. Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, California 90731.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Keck Medicine of USC Parkinson’s Research Fund or your favorite charity.