5 Shocking New Details About Dolores Catania's Son, Frankie Catania Jr., Including His Surprise Engagement

Frankie Catania Jr., the beloved son of *The Real Housewives of New Jersey* star Dolores Catania and her ex-husband Frank Catania, has stepped firmly into the spotlight with a series of major life milestones in late 2025. For years, viewers have watched the young man grow up on Bravo, transitioning from a college student to a budding professional. Now, as of this December 2025 update, the biggest news surrounding the Catania family scion is a massive personal commitment that has fans of the show reeling with excitement.

The latest information confirms that Frankie is not only thriving in his career ventures but has also officially taken himself off the market. His recent engagement, celebrated by his entire blended family, marks a beautiful new chapter for the young reality star and is the most significant update since he graduated from college and began pursuing his professional dreams in earnest. He remains a fan favorite for his respectful demeanor and close relationship with both of his parents, despite their divorce.

Frankie Catania Jr.: Complete Biographical Profile

Frankie Catania Jr. has become one of the most recognizable "Housewives kids" due to his frequent, often heartwarming, appearances on *The Real Housewives of New Jersey* (*RHONJ*). His life has been an open book for Bravo viewers, showcasing his journey through adolescence, college, and the start of his professional career.

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• Full Name: Frank Catania Jr.
• Date of Birth: October 8, 1998
• Age (as of December 2025): 27 years old
• Parents: Dolores Catania (Mother) and Frank Catania (Father)
• Sibling: Gabrielle "Gabby" Catania (Older Sister)
• Fiancée: Nicole Perricho
• Education: Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, Connecticut)
• Career Focus: Actor, Model, Television Personality, Financial Professional
• Notable Appearances: *The Real Housewives of New Jersey* (Bravo)
• Modeling Work: Has notably modeled for brands, including Calvin Klein underwear advertisements.
• Acting Training: Attended the Michael Luggio acting school to hone his craft.

1. The Surprise Engagement: Frankie and Nicole Perricho

The most current and exciting news about Frankie Catania Jr. is his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Nicole Perricho. The proposal, which took place in early 2025, was a grand, romantic affair that quickly became a hot topic among *RHONJ* fans.

Frankie proposed to Nicole at the iconic St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, a stunning and memorable location that added a layer of classic romance to the occasion.

Dolores Catania, who has always been incredibly close to her son, shared the heartwarming news with her followers, expressing immense joy for the couple. The entire extended Catania family, including Frank Sr. and Dolores's current partner, have been openly supportive of the union, showcasing the unique and harmonious blended family dynamic that has endeared them to viewers. The engagement has solidified Nicole Perricho's place within the core family unit, and wedding planning is reportedly underway for a future date.

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2. Life as a Blended Family Scion and His New Living Situation

Frankie's life has always been defined by the unconventional but loving relationship between his parents. Dolores and Frank Catania, despite their divorce, have maintained a remarkably close friendship and co-parenting relationship, often living near or with each other, which has been a central storyline on *RHONJ*. This stability has been credited with helping Frankie and his sister, Gabby Catania, thrive.

In a recent update, Dolores revealed a significant change in Frankie's living arrangements. The young man has moved out of his sister Gabby's residence and is now living with his fiancée, Nicole Perricho. This move is a clear sign of his transition into full adulthood and independence, marking a new chapter away from the immediate family nest.

The support system from his parents remains unwavering. Both Dolores and Frank Sr. are actively involved in his life, providing emotional and professional guidance. This unique family structure is a key part of Frankie's public persona and a frequent subject of discussion on the show and in reality television news.

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3. The Dual Career Path: From Finance to Hollywood Aspirations

Frankie Catania Jr. is not just a reality television personality; he is actively forging a career path that combines his education with his creative passions. His background includes a solid academic foundation from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he focused on his studies while also dipping his toes into the entertainment world.

A. Modeling and Acting Ventures

Frankie has pursued modeling with notable success. He has gained attention for his physique and has been featured in campaigns, including a high-profile gig modeling underwear for Calvin Klein. This modeling work has given him a significant social media following and a taste of the entertainment industry.

Beyond modeling, he is serious about acting. To develop his skills, he has attended the Michael Luggio acting school, indicating a commitment to the craft beyond just being a reality star's son. His desire to be an actor and his training suggest he is looking to build a long-term career in show business, potentially following in the footsteps of other reality stars who have successfully crossed over.

B. Professional and Financial Work

While the entertainment industry is a passion, Frankie has also demonstrated a strong work ethic in the professional world. Reports have indicated that he has held positions that involve working daily, showcasing a grounded approach to his finances and career. His father, Frank Catania Sr., a successful lawyer and entrepreneur, has undoubtedly been a strong influence, instilling in him a sense of responsibility and business acumen.

The combination of his financial background and his public profile as a television personality positions him for a diverse future. Fans are eager to see which path—or blend of paths—Frankie ultimately chooses to focus on as he builds his life with Nicole Perricho.

4. The Role of Frankie on *The Real Housewives of New Jersey*

Frankie's presence on *RHONJ* has always been a grounding force for Dolores. Unlike some children on the show, he is consistently portrayed as mature, polite, and hardworking. His relationship with his mother is one of the most stable and endearing dynamics in the series, often serving as a counterpoint to the dramatic conflicts between the Housewives.

His appearances often center around major family events, holidays, and discussions about his academic and professional future. He is a key entity in the show's narrative, representing the successful outcome of Dolores and Frank's unconventional co-parenting arrangement. His recent engagement is expected to be a major storyline in upcoming seasons, providing a positive and celebratory moment for the franchise.

5. What's Next for Frankie and Nicole?

With the engagement announcement still creating buzz, the next major focus for Frankie Catania Jr. and Nicole Perricho will be their wedding planning. Given the Catania family's flair for large, memorable events, their wedding is anticipated to be a lavish affair, likely featuring heavily on *The Real Housewives of New Jersey*. The blend of Italian-American tradition with modern New Jersey extravagance will surely make for must-watch television.

Frankie's continued pursuit of his acting and modeling career will also keep him in the public eye. His topical authority on fitness, modeling, and young entrepreneurship continues to grow, making him an increasingly influential figure independent of his mother's fame. As he navigates his late twenties, fans are excited to watch him transition fully into married life and a successful career, cementing his status as one of the most successful and well-adjusted children in the world of reality TV.