Igor M. Katounin

Igor M. Katounin, 72, left this earth on April 11, 2021 to pursue yet another adventure. Born on August 31, 1948 in St. Petersburg, Russia, he came to America in 1993. There he met, and married, his pen-pal of five years, Joyce Graham. They remained married for 14 years, and were best friends and neighbors for another 14 years. Igor earned a Master’s degree in Oceanology from St. Petersburg Hydrometerology Institute, where he also earned the rank of senior lieutenant in the Russian Air Force through ROTC. Somehow each time the authorities came to take him to the military, he was on an expedition in the Arctic or Antarctic, or an a ship exploring the Ocean. He was delighted! He was the boxing champion of St. Petersburg in his youth, and an amazingly strong man. Igor earned a second Master’s in Russian Political history and did post-graduate work in thermodynamics. He was one of very few Russians who had the opportunity to visit other countries, but his silence was enforced. Igor’s first love was traveling, and he visited 38 countries. He saw much of America, and particularly loved Niagara Falls. He enjoyed going to various states to pan for gems. Igor was an entrepreneur, and through his corporation, Kimac, he tried three main endeavors. He imported an etching machine that made photo quality pictures on stone. The next business was pedal cars, which were three wheeled bikes. He rode the bikes several times in the Latrobe 4th of July parade. Eventually he added motors to the bikes. He donated a pedal car to Clelian Heights School, and it was covered by channel 4 news. He donated several pedal cars to handicapped individuals who otherwise could never ride a bike. He also attempted to begin a “honey drink” business, but after getting a liquor license, local bars and restaurants didn’t want to add a new drink to their stock. Igor and his friends drank a lot of honey drink over the years! Igor was an amazing and entertaining man. He could sing, recite poetry, tell jokes and was extremely intelligent. He enjoyed classical music, the ballet, and opera. Igor was an outdoorsman, and liked to camp and boat. Igor was preceded in death by his parents, Mikhail and Tatiana. He is survived by his son, Alexey (Elena), and granddaughters Anastasia and Alyona He was delighted that Alyona, 8, is a chess prodigy. He is also survived by his sister, Irena(Lova) and nephew, Stanislav, and his dearest friend, Joyce (Stephen). A memorial service will be scheduled for a time when our country allows his son to come to America for his father’s ashes. Please pray for his permission. Please make any memorial contributions to Wounded American Veterans, whom Igor respected and yearned to help. Frederick Funeral Home, Inc., 1543 Ligonier St, Latrobe, PA 15650 entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences please visit www.FrederickFuneralHome.com.