Dolores Catania

Dolores Catania is an American reality TV personality, philanthropist and entrepreneur best known for her role on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Catania was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, where she entered the workforce at a young age to help support herself and her family. Before joining reality television, Catania worked as a shampoo girl, surgical assistant and waitress. She later transitioned into real estate and also cofounded the fitness franchise Powerhouse Fitness.

Catania made her first appearance on reality television in 2009 as a guest on The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s inaugural season. In 2016, she joined the show as a main cast member and remained throughout the following seven seasons. In 2025, it was revealed she would appear on The Real Housewives of Rhode Island as a friend of housewife Liz McGraw.

Outside the show, Catania has been active in philanthropic work, supporting women’s shelters and animal rescue efforts. Her community involvement earned her the key to the city of Paterson.

Catania married Frank Catania in 1994. They welcomed children Gabrielle (born in 1995) and Frank “Frankie” III (born in 1998). The couple divorced in 1998 but remain in contact and coparent their children. She later dated David Principe until their split in 2021. She moved on with Paul “Paulie” Connell, and the two got engaged in November 2025.