Melba Catania has quite literally been, “Faithful Since ’46.”
Catania, now 89-years-old, grew up near Kezar Stadium and attended San Francisco Polytechnic High School with a few former 49ers players, including defensive end Alyn Beals. Her love for the team has been passed down for generations, as her family has been season ticket holders since the franchise first began playing in the All-American Football Conference.
Catania’s 49ers historic memorabilia includes game programs from the ’46 season. The family also owns two framed pictures of the ’46 team getting on a plane to go play Los Angeles. Her granddaughter, Tracy Bonaduce, wore 49ers high-heeled shoes at her wedding.