Detroit security officer passes away from COVID-19
Detroit MI April 27 2020
To say that Darrin Cato worked as a security guard at Detroit’s Opera House almost belittles the role he played at the job he loved. He cared for the job and the people who worked there almost as much as he cherished his family.
That’s why when he lays in rest at a Detroit funeral home Monday, he’ll be wearing his work badge.
“He loved that job so much I thought about putting him in his uniform,” said his wife of 22 years, Leatrice Cato. “This is a man that never, ever would be sick. He never called off work for anything.”
But somehow Darrin Cato did get sick from the coronavirus in early March. He died two weeks later March 26 at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.
Michigan Opera Theatre President and CEO Wayne S. Brown called Cato a mainstay figure at the Detroit Opera House for seven years where he made staff and guests alike feel safe.
“He was a friend to all at Michigan Opera Theatre, a warm face that greeted us when we walked through the door and a protector who made sure everyone returned to their cars safely, especially after evening performances,” Brown said. “We are heartbroken over his passing, and extend our sympathies to those throughout our community and beyond who have also lost loved ones during this difficult time.”
Rock Monroe, director of public safety and security for Michigan Opera Theatre said Cato was an exemplary employee and cherished friend. The two men also worked executive security for events beyond the Opera House, as part of a cadre of men who became affectionately known as the Black Knights of the Opera House.
“He’d go out of his way to do anything for you,” Monroe said. “I remember once we were short-staffed. I called Cato and learned he was 150 miles away. I said, ‘Never mind.’ But Cato said what he always said, ‘Roc, I got you.’ He got here for the 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. shift. He was a few minutes late, but he got here.”
His wife said Cato also did home improvement and lawn work, often volunteering his services to people for little or no pay.
Cato bought his wife, children and grandchildren bikes so they could pedal in Detroit’s popular Slow Roll. He decorated them with lights. She recalls once a woman approached him at Beacon Park because she admired the lights on their bikes. She wanted to know how she could have her son’s bike decorated in yellow and blue lights because her son loved the University of Michigan.
Cato told her, he’d handle it, and went to the woman’s house to decorate her son’s bike.
“She was a total stranger and he refused to accept any money,” his wife said. “He was just a kind, loving good man who would do anything for you.”
In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Darice and Latrice; a son, Darrin, Jr., and four grandsons.
A viewing will be held 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Wilson-Akins Funeral Homes – Northwest Chapel, 17500 Fenkell Ave., Detroit. A funeral service, at which a limited number of family members can attend, will be 11 a.m. Tuesday.
The family has set up a Memorial Fundraising Page: gofundme.com/f/memorials-fundraising-darrin-cato
Detroit Free Press
