Frank Catania Celebrates Dolores Catania's Engagement to Paul Connell

News has emerged that Frank Catania, former spouse of The Real Housewives of New Jersey's Dolores Catania, expresses immense joy regarding her recent engagement to Paulie Connell.

On Wednesday, November 12, the 60-year-old Frank conveyed his felicitations via an Instagram comment on People magazine's announcement of the news. He added, "We are truly delighted for you both and eagerly anticipate celebrating this wonderful milestone. Much love to you both."

Dolores, 54, and Frank shared a marital bond from 1994 until 1998. Throughout the years, these erstwhile partners have cultivated a strong friendship and an effective co-parenting dynamic, jointly raising their children, Gabrielle, 30, and Frankie, 26.

Gabrielle also shared her excitement regarding the engagement on her Instagram Story, penning, "Heartfelt congratulations to my wonderful mother and Paulie P. Our family is incredibly fortunate to have both of you."

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On Monday, November 10, Dolores and Connell, 51, became engaged at the Apple Store in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, a detail the couple divulged to People on Wednesday. Although this location might appear unconventional for a proposal, the establishment holds profound sentimental value for Dolores and Connell, marking the genesis of their romance in 2021.

"I sought to avoid anything ostentatious or pre-arranged, given our nature as a modest couple," Connell explained to the publication. He continued, "My desire was for the moment to feel authentic, natural, and organic. Furthermore, I aimed for an element of surprise, and indeed, I achieved that."

Dolores admitted she had "absolutely no inkling" of the impending proposal, playfully remarking that she considered "summoning an ambulance" for her now-fiancé.

She elaborated, "He was perspiring profusely; his T-shirt was completely drenched, and his face was a vibrant red. You know how individuals sometimes utter unusual phrases during a medical emergency? He began speaking these tender, lovely sentiments to me unexpectedly, prompting my concern: 'Paul, are you feeling alright?'"

Dolores additionally expressed her "utter delight" in advancing this stage of her relationship with Connell, emphasizing that she has "never felt such certainty about anything before."

"That profound sense of happiness deep within one's core? That is precisely where this exhilaration originates for me," she further remarked. "I am so immensely blessed, I almost feel a pang of guilt, as if I don't quite merit this depth of affection."

In contrast, Connell asserted that Dolores is worthy of "far more" than she perceives.

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"She is an extraordinary woman," he stated. "During my proposal, I endeavored to convey to her the entirety of what I perceive her to be, all that she accomplishes, and the profound influence she exerts on everyone in her orbit. She is truly exceptional."

The revelation of Dolores and Connell's relationship was first reported by Us Weekly in 2021. The electrical contractor subsequently appeared on RHONJ for the first time in February 2023.

"I commend him for his admirable sportsmanship regarding it," Dolores expressed to Us concerning Connell's participation in season 13. She concluded, "However, he must now navigate this reality. Many discussions center on our relationship, and as I haven't viewed them yet, I am uncertain how Paul will react. While I am generally a very adaptable individual and let many things go, I cannot speak for everyone else."