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Peter Gatti Obituary

GATTI, Peter J. Sober, brilliant, gallant, indomitable, rollicking, zestful, open-hearted, much loved Peter Gatti died on June 22 at the age of 64. He was born to a state department family and educated all over the world, graduating from the University of Maryland. Peter had a prodigious knowledge of many fields, but he found his calling as a wine connoisseur and educator, respected and loved by colleagues around the world. He spent almost 25 years working for Twin Liquors in sales, store management, and as wine manager, culminating in the role of Director of Education, training every level of staff. Peter loved selling wine, introducing people to new experiences, and especially showing hesitant customers inexpensive bottles to enjoy. He could tell endless stories about wine, to anyone, and that was the joy of his life. Peter married Barbara Lightheart on October 17, 1998. They were very happy and cared for each other lovingly through five years of pancreatic cancer. Peter beat the odds and survived four years in good health before the beast returned. He died with 23 years of continuous sobriety. Peter is survived by his much-loved wife, Barbara; his mother, Anna Gatti; brothers Karl and Conrad;. and a host of friends. We will remember his big heart, his love of life, his joy in people, and his laughter. We shall not see his like again. Memorial service to be held July 8 at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Church of Austin, 4001 Speedway, Austin. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Austin Pets Alive.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Jun. 24, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Gatti

Not sure what to say?





Jolly

June 18, 2025

Again Peter, thank you for influencing me enough to name 2 of my kids after a discussion we had about measures of sweetness in degrees Brix & Oechsle.

Fernando Ricart

January 12, 2022

Googling the name of an old friend to catch up with his life, I came accross this obituary. What sad news. Peter was bright, positive and funny. We were together at CMS in the Dominican Republic. There was nothing that Peter had no knowledge of or interest in. RIP my friend. Now you really know everything there is to know.

Ted Newilll

June 19, 2021

Remembering Peter today. The world misses him. We need more of his persona and grace.
Ted Newill

Jolly Rodriguez

June 2, 2020

Condolences. I just wanted to say that even after leaving Twin Liquors, Id always think about Peter here and there. He was a genuine soul and a positive force. I wanted to share with the family that his passion for wine that I too shared really hit home. Because of him, I had the unique urge to name my second son Brix ,and I had even told him about it the next time we met. He chuckled and said something like Well at least you didnt go with Oechsle(another fermentation unit of measurement like Brix) or something humorous and good natured similar like that. Well about a year and a half ago me and my wife were blessed with a third child, a beautiful baby girl. Of all the names we bounced off and tried to come up with , nothing replaced the thought of having a sweet baby girl named Oechsle. (pronounced like Oaks-ly, thats how he pronounced it). So thats what we named her. Im so lucky that he gave me the idea to choose these names. I wanted to tell him this because I know he wouldve gotten a big kick out of it. Im sorry Im so late, but I hope it helps knowing of one more person who was affected in a great way by Peter.
Condolences.
Jolly Rodriguez

Chip Camper

September 21, 2019

Just heard about Peters passing. While I only knew Peter a short time as lifetimes go at Carol Morgan High School I remember him as brilliant and kind. We were close in High School. I will always remember the all night board games we would play. I know that all who knew him will miss him as I do his friendship.

Elizabeth Scott

June 18, 2019

4Barbara my heart goes out to you on this anniversary, Peter will always be remembered fondly .Peace and light.

Terrie W

March 4, 2019

My deepest condolences on your loss. God rest his soul.

Dennis Crowley

February 21, 2019

I am now just finding out about Peter's death. Peter and I were friends and classmates in the Dominican Republic. Our fathers worked at the US Embassy in Santo Domingo in 1968-1969. He was a mover shaker and leader and had one of the most positive personalities of anyone I have ever met. Rest in peace Peter- thanks for being a great friend!

Rick Gentry

July 10, 2018

Dear Barbara:

I was a customer.

I attended the service on Sunday - in part - because I wanted to experience just one more time all of the enthusiasm, laughter, and zest that was just "Peter being Peter."

He made me feel better about myself and life in general by just being in his presence. What a joyful man to be with, as you well know.

I wish you well going forward. I know that you cannot forget him, but then neither can the rest of us.

July 9, 2018

Oh Barbara, I don't have the words to appropriately express how sorry I am for your and our loss. Peter was that rare combination of directness and compassion and he will be missed. You two together are a beautiful example of a loving partnership.

Conrad Gatti

July 3, 2018

Peter was a great brother! I still remember when I was 7, my friend got a car dashboard toy. It had a steering wheel, stick shift on the column, turn indicators, windshield wipers, the whole nine yards. I was so envious and sad that I didn't have one. Peter built me one from scratch with everything, and I mean everything. He had it outfitted with all the lights and clicks and beeps. It did more than the store bought toy did. MY BROTHER!!!

July 3, 2018

Dear Barbara,

My condolences to you and your family. I first met Peter as a Sales representative for Glazers, I would not have achieved the level of knowledge and understanding of wine that I did without Peter's amazing guidance, information and instruction.

My prayers for you and your family are for peace and strength in this difficult time.

God Bless,
Rich Doherty

Jon Jack Shevat

July 3, 2018

I knew Peter in 1973 from the ambassadors pool in Kfar Shmaryahu Israel.....a lot of the American kids would swim at the pool....he was funny....smart....and a little devious...he introduced me to his secret brew of singapore slings at the time....which to me tasted just wonderful.............he always had something interesting to say and me being shy ...i just listened......thank you

Karl Gatti

July 2, 2018

Peter was my elder brother. We had many wonderful, crazy, zany, sometimes dangerous, sometimes hilarious adventures growing up the way we did all over the world. Though I now live in Costa Rica, we managed to stay in touch using an online APP that let us do video calls for free. Our talks were "non pareil"---you never knew where one of our conversations would wend or end up. From Sherlock Holmes to Roman History. I will miss his intelligent repartee more than I can say and find it hard to believe he is gone. My prayers go out to his widow Barbara. So "requiescat en pace" my brother and may God have mercy on your soul. With love, your brother, Karl

sandra & ian spalding

July 2, 2018

Dearest Barb,
Peter was an inspiration and an important part of our Twin Family. His passion for life was palpable and just being able to be around him in these last few years changed the course of my own Wine & Food journey. He inspired me to be more positive and to continue to grow and learn. For that I will ALWAYS be grateful. My heart goes out to you and I hope that you can find comfort in knowing that he really did affect so many people in such a positive way.
With Much Love,
Sandra

Robin Laven Lane

June 30, 2018

From an old schoolmate of his - a schoolmate from the American International School in Israel: Peter was INDEED "brilliant, gallant, indomitable, rollicking, zestful, open-hearted [and] much loved," and all of us who went to high school with him could see all such attributes. (AND, if I may be so bold... I was a young girl and thought Peter "just the cutest guy" and had something of a crush on him!) So I'll always remember Peter as a teen - the cut of his face, the way he wore his hair, his clothes... Also, I went to UT at Austin, and for some reason it does my heart good to know Peter's last days were in a city I love so well - so WITH love, I bid dear Peter "adieu." (Robin)

Stan Rubini

June 30, 2018

Barbara:
I was saddened to hear of your loss, even though we knew it was coming. Chuck Duncan and I remembered you and Peter in our prayers during Reunion Weekend in May this year.
If Peter was cremated, I would be honored to carry a small vial of his remains with me, as I pass through the Iron Gate at our 50th Reunion. Afterwards, I would return them to you, or scatter them as you direct. If you are interested in doing so, I would contact the Academy to see if it could be arranged for you (or a classmate) to carry his remains through the Iron Gate.
Debi and I enjoyed meeting you, and will always remember the sober times we spent with you at the 45th reunion. Please consider returning for our 50th. We'll find a creative way to include Peter in the festivities anyway. Cell: 561.767.2305
All the Best & Ezduzit, till we meet again!

June 29, 2018

Although we were fellow students at Culver, it was unfortunate that I did not know him . However, I've heard alot about Peter through his Culver friends when they shared their reunion memories.
My deepest sympathies to his wife, Barbara, his mother Anna, and to family & friends.
My prayers are with you.
Larry O'Connor

Ted Newill

June 29, 2018

Great guy. A real man. Wish we had more like him in this world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be remembered and therefore not really gone.

June 29, 2018

Barbara,

I was saddened to hear of Peter's passing. Although I did not meet him I know you had a long and happy marriage and will miss him terribly. Thinking of you and praying for you and both of your families

Cynthia C

David Laufer

June 28, 2018

Peter was a sweet soul. I knew your brothers better Karl in my graduating class at AIS. Conrad I would see at school in the library and around campus. Some of my memories of our reunion in Florida included our conversations which I enjoyed so much. Getting to know you and your wonderful sense of humor. I felt I had known you for a long time.
My heartfelt condolences to Barbara and your whole family. I will miss you Peter, you were a wonderful person.
Love David AIS Class of 1973

Bessie McGeoy

June 28, 2018

Peter was the cool college guy I had a crush on. He always made me laugh. And yes I snuck out my window a few times to rendeveau under a warm Israeli moon.5 years later we crossed paths again briefly in Md. He still made me laugh. Again in 1988 at an AIS reunion. A few keep in touch emails over the years, until Ft Lauderdale. Where I met his loving wife. Pete and I crossed paths for 46 yrs. I am honered to have known him and enamored with his wit. Shalom Pete,may we cross paths again.

June 27, 2018

My prayers are with you Barbara and your family. Let me know if I can do anything!!

Mary Kaye M

Chris C

June 27, 2018

When i had a recurrence of my cancer, Peter was the first to greet me every Sunday am. Always asking how i was doing. Always asking what my scans showed. He knew i was scared and he wanted to support me.
When the cancer decided to ebb, he still checked on me.
Every sunday.
When his cancer came back, he always downplayed the effect and continued to ask about me. I needed that consistency and strength.

I'm saddened by the loss, but buoyed by the inspiration Peter displayed to me in accepting life on life's terms and still living.
A great lesson for us all and i give thanks that Peter was in my life for this short period of time.

June 26, 2018

Barbara, I & many others in your recovery community are thinking about you and hoping you will reach out and let us carry you through this challenging time. Call anytime. Love, Mercy

Amanda-Marie Nicholas

June 25, 2018

So much kindness and humor in one person, knowledge and passion. I pray for ease of Peter's spirit in passing, and warm healing for Barbara, to which I give my deepest condolences.

Duke Egbert

June 25, 2018

I loved Peter dearly. He was undefeated, powerful, joyous, kind, and illuminating; the world is a shade darker for his loss.

Jennie Gray

June 25, 2018

Peter was an inspiration and sending many hugs and love to Barbara L. and family.

Jimmy Alan Hall

June 25, 2018

Peter. A beautiful soul with a huge heart. Joyousness and excitement danced in me each time that I was about to share time with him.

Matt Miller

June 25, 2018

Peter's knowledge and passionate stories were an inspiration for me in a transitional time in my young life. He made wine mean something more to me. You will be missed friend.

Rob Moshein

June 25, 2018

One of we "Old School" and a fine Gentleman in every sense. A joy to be in his company. Eager to teach and learn, to share and to assist. The meaning of the word "Mensch". I have nothing but love, fondness, warmth and love in my hear. While his passing leaves us all with a bit of a whole, his memory stays leaving joy and shall serve as a blessing. I am a better man for knowing him. My deepest condolences to his family and those who mourn his loss. Baruch Dayan Ha'Emet.

Valerie Smith

June 25, 2018

Peter will be very missed. We loved seeing his smiling face come through our doors. Barbara you're in out thoughts and prayers

Tech Ridge Vision.
Dr. Kitchen and Valerie and staff

clyde hoover

June 24, 2018

Peter was a good man and showed us how take life one day at a time, even when there were so few days left.

Hugs for Barbrara, a good friend for many years. Mary and I remember the wedding reception, the pouring rain and the wedding care which never got there.

Strength and love to all.

Clyde and Mary Hoover

Abel

June 24, 2018

I had the privilege and honor of working with Peter for several years. His endless stories and knowledge of wine (and anything else) was truly inspiring. His passion for wine was exceeded only by his love for his wife "Barb". Peter was one of a kind and he will be missed. My condolences to the family.

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Memorial service

2:30 p.m.

Trinity Church of Austin

4001 Speedway, Austin, TX

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