George liked Mr. Cattanzara because he remembered him giving him nickels to buy lemon ice with when he was a squirt.
The relationship between George and Mr. Cattanzara was like a father and son relationship, Mr. Cattanzara loved George very much and he wanted him to do the right thing. When George lied to Mr. Cattanzara he was so worried that Mr. Cattanzara would be disappointed of him, that it made him do the big change and to take responsibility over his life.