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Joseph Gatti Obituary
left us early in the morning of September 18, 2012 with a beautiful legacy of art and memories. He will be missed by family, friends and a multitude of former students from Scottsdale's Coronado High School, whom, as a brilliant art teacher from 1961 to 1984, he inspired with his creative methods, his humor and patience. Joe is survived by his wife of 38 years, Frances, one son, Joseph M. Gatti (Amy), one step-daughter, Lisa Buechler (Greg), two step-sons, Lance Freedlund (Diana) and Clay Freedlund, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. Joe was nearly 93 years old and had lived an active life, playing golf, enjoying cooking, and his beloved cats until Alzheimer's began to take its ugly toll several years ago. He was born to immigrant Italian parents on October 16, 1919 in Erie, Pennsylvania, one of five children, the four of whom preceded him in death. As a high school senior, he won a trip to Italy, guest of the Italian government, for his excellence in Italian language studies. That was the first of many trips to Europe, where, later, he concentrated on the art in cathedrals and museums. After graduating high school, he joined the Army Air Force and became a bomber training pilot. (His later water colors reflect his love of the airplane.) After discharge from military service he made several ventures into retail businesses, including a television-appliance shop in Glendale. With the GI bill, he attended what was then the Thunderbird School of International Trade, went on to ASU, and achieved a Master's Degree in Art History. Memorial service and reception will be held at Cattletrack Gallery, 6105 N. Cattletrack Rd., Scottsdale, at 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 20. Ar
rangements entrusted to Messinger Indian School Mortuary in Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Arizona or the Arizona Humane Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Gatti
Norma B
January 1, 2024
My favorite teacher at CHS. Loved his slide shows!
Linda S. Clare
Linda Clare
November 7, 2012
What an inspiration we've lost. I never got to have Mr. Gatti as an art teacher, but partly due to his influence I became an art educator. The world is missing a person with a fine eye and a big heart. I'll miss you and your big old house. So sorry for your loved ones. Love to you all, Linda Clare
Ron Rennells
October 23, 2012
I had the pleasure of having Mr. Gatti as my art instructor from 1968-1972. I have to say that he changed my perception of art and ultimately changed my life. I have been an artist and composed ever since and 40 years later, I still think of the lessons he taught me. He was a great instructor and a wonderful man. Bless you Mr. Gatti.
Susan Geist-Unmacht
October 20, 2012
With deepest homage for a good man and great teacher who gave me so much. Wonder & care. I am grateful to have had Mr. Gatti in my life.
Larry Newman
October 20, 2012
CHS from 76-80and remember Joe G well, loved art class with him!!
my studio
Phillp Stapleton
October 20, 2012
Mr Gatti was one of the hand full of teachers I vividly remember out of my 16 years of schooling.His family should be vary proud of the influences he had on his students.I know because since those days in class,I have been an artist for 40 years.REST IN PIECE MR.GATTI
Douglas Covert
October 19, 2012
I took art all 4 years and was student assistant to Mr Gatti at Coronado, Class of 1969. I didn't realize it at the time He was a big big part of my art future an carrier THANK YOU. What a great influence he has had. I'm sure he's happy.
Douglas Covert
October 19, 2012
I took art all 4 years at Coronado and was student assistant, class of 1969. He was a big big part of art future. I did not realize it at the time but I do now. What a great influence. I have a successful art foundry thanks to people like Mr. Gatti. I'm sure he's happy.
Rich Rosenberry
October 18, 2012
Mr. Gatti was one of the most interesting teachers I had at CHS. Humor and talent. Thanks for the fun for 3 out of my 4 years of my CHS life. Class of '77
Bonnie Flynn
October 16, 2012
Mr Gatti taught with my father. He painted a picture of my mother and father on their sailboat and when they passed, I called him and said I would take care of his painting. It is still hanging in our home. I thank him and all teachers for their service. May you rest in peace
Jennifer(Murray) Wagner
October 16, 2012
Mr. Gatti was the most memorable teacher I ever had. His passion for art was contagious and influential.
I remember visiting the old house on Hayden with several other students, though I do not remember why. Visiting his home gave me insight who he was. With a sly sense of humor, he offered to let us go down into the basement where those student statues (the ones that were used to decorate Los Arcos) were stored. Without hesitation, everyone declined. :)
Mr. Gatti was loved and will be greatly missed by this art student. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
D. N.
October 16, 2012
Dear family members and friends of Mr. Gatti, I am deeply saddened by your loss. I can't imagine the pain that now resides in your hearts. Please take comfort in the scripture found at Isaiah 57:15. There we are assured that when we experience pain, such as you are now, our God in the heavens understands and experiences it too. I will make mention of your family in my prayers for comfort and strength from God.
October 16, 2012
Thank-you Mr. Gatti for your service to our country!
Kristina (Jensen) Fredericksen
October 15, 2012
Even after not seeing him for years, he approached me at the grocery store and said, "Weren't you one of my students?" What a great memory and a wonderful teacher. God Bless you Mr. Gatti.
Trolane Gunnerson (Cleary)
October 14, 2012
Mr. Gatti was a huge part of my High School years with 4 years of art. I really loved that class and his teaching. I had the honor to see him a few times after I graduated due to the Moore Family. You will be missed. Prayers and thoughts to his family
Donna Craven
October 14, 2012
I have many fond memories of time spent in the old house on Hayden. This was in the 60's and it had such marvelous spaces filled with beautiful art from "Papa Joe". Thanks for sharing your talent with so many.
Toni Lyons (Halstead)
October 14, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Gatti. He was so awesome. He wasn't my teacher, but my sisters. His artwork was everywhere. I especially loved the mosaic on the front of the auditorium and so pleased that it was saved when they re-did the school. He will be missed. I graduated in 1963. He and Mr Hanson sure were favorites.
Teresa Bacon
October 14, 2012
Joe was a great art teacher and a great man. I've seen him a few times over the years and he always remembered me and made me feel good.
RIP Joe...
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