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Anthony Gatto Obituary
GATTO, ANTHONY J., Sr., "Tony" or "Big Tony," 54 - of Cologne, Mays Landing, peacefully joined the Lord on Thursday morning, March 16, 2006, just a day before his 55th birthday, embraced in the warmth of his loved ones in their family home. His valiant fight against pancreatic cancer captured a community. Tony was a 1969 graduate of Oakcrest High School. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Navy. He married the love of his life, Catherine "Kate" Tumulty in 1974, and together they raised two children - son, Anthony "Tony" Jr. and daughter, Kelly, both of whom fought tirelessly alongside their dad, with Kelly his "guardian angel," who never ceased in her efforts to find a cure for her father. Tony was tremendously loved by his coworkers at Atlantic City Race Course, where he was employed for over 30 years, alongside his brother, Bill as Plant Superintendent. Tony's summer Luaus were so infamous that he and wife Kate became co-owners of the Arrowhead Inn in Galloway. He was a "jack of all trades," always lending a hand to a friend in need. He had a great love of the outdoors, building his home - away - from - home near buddy Toby in Temple, Maine, where he enjoyed kayaking, hunting and quadding. He shared these getaways at the "Stumble Inn" with so many family and friends, including little Tony, brothers Tommy, Jimmy, Michael and Bill. Even through his illness, Tony faithfully visited his brother, "Boo-boo" to share stories every Sunday. He was immensely proud of the closeness of the huge Gatto clan, perhaps attributed to the cooking talents of his dear "Mom Gatto" and sisters Maryann, Susan, Ethel, Jeanne and Theresa. In July of 2005, a cancer benefit in his honor - "Friends in the Fight" - turned out over 1,400 supporters. Their efforts funded medical treatment in the Bahamas, where two separate trips with his family and close friends like Chucky, Stevie and Richie helped Tony rebound temporarily, blessing him with the opportunity to dance at his son's wedding and enjoy one more holiday season with his loved ones. Tony Gatto is predeceased by his father, Edward Sr., brother, Philip, father-in-law, Charlie Tumulty and nephew, Charlie. He leaves to cherish fond memories his wife, Kate (nee Tumulty), son, Tony and wife, Avril and daughter, Kelly, all of Mays Landing; three grandchildren, Ashley, Anthony III and Haleigh; mother, Catherine (nee Ganiel); mother-in-law, Jean Tumulty (nee Carroll); siblings, Edward of Williamstown, Maryann Papale (Vince) of Springfield, PA, Susan Liddy (Joe) of Waynesboro, PA, Thomas (Tina) of Galloway, Bill (Jeri-lynn) of Mays Landing, Jimmy (Patricia) of Egg Harbor City, Ethel Merlock (Andy) of Dorothy, Jeanne Vannucci (Joe) of Galloway, Michael (Terry) of Egg Harbor Township, Theresa Mildren (Shawn) of Galloway; brother-in-law, Chuck Tumulty (Donna) of Waretown and sister-in-law, Tammy Gatto of Galloway. He will be enormously missed by countless nieces, nephews and relatives. Friends may pay their respects at Wimberg Funeral Home, 211 E. Great Creek Road, Galloway (609) 641-0001 from 2 to 8p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2006 and from 8:30 to 10a.m. on Monday, March 20, 2006. A Service of Memory and Love and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11a.m. on Monday, March 20, 2006 at Church of the Assumption, 276 W. White Horse Pike, Pomona. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Route 40, Mays Landing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Friends in the Fight for Tony." 4501 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 08330. For condolences and/or directions, please visit www.wimbergfuneralhome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Gatto
Marilyn Ryan
March 16, 2012
To All of the Gatto Family...I remember the big families in the Gardens, growing up together. What fun we had! Then our children growing up & playing together. Tony & Kate were Godparents to our second child, Tara. Oh... the parties, ski trips, card games & bar-b-ques, weddings...the list goes on & on. I take comfort from those memories & will cherish them always. He is now one of our special guardian angels, (he is up there with all the rest of them). See you on the other side my friend! With love, Marilyn
Amy Gatto
March 19, 2007
Well Uncle Tony, the "big day" came and went with a hell of a storm! It was weird how the whole day just replayed so clearly in my head... my every movement perfectly captured in memory like movie I never would have wanted to see. I had a lot of time to sit and reflect about you and your passing in my four hour drive home from work on Friday due to a bad snow storm... did you have something to do with that? I concluded that the loss of you in body while sad, is not tragic because a piece of your soul lives in every one of us you left behind. The bottom line is we miss you in body and spirit here on Earth but will never forget you in our hearts. I hope you, Grandpop, Uncle BoBo and Uncle Philip are all doing well...
Until we meet again...
You're loving neice, Amy
Maureen Bugdon
March 16, 2007
Well buddy ... it's a whole year without you and without your morning visits to my office to catch me up on the latest catastrophes of the building. I miss your smile, your hearty laugh when something really cracked you up, your sarcasm and teasing, and mostly your incredible loving friendship. I miss you more than words can ever say and I'm so sorry I didn't have a chance to tell you just how much you meant to me - day in and day out.
I hope you are looking down at us all now with a Coors light in your hand and a big grin on your face. Until we meet again and toast a friendship that helped shape my adult years, I will think of you ... with every breeze that carries lilacs or wysteria ... with every joke that cracks me up ... with every glance at my tree from Maine out my kitchen window. You were the best, sweet friend, and I hope somehow you know just how much you are loved and now missed.
I love you buddy!
Miss Mo!
Mom Gatto
July 20, 2006
Tony, When you left us that day in March, a part of my heart went with you. You tried to act tough, but you were so tender hearted showing concern for BoBo and me. You left a beautiful family behind. And we all miss you and love you. Until we meet again.
Love,
Mom Gatto
Sue Liddy
July 20, 2006
Tony,
Even though we didn't live close, you were always in my thoughts and prayers.And the last two weeks I got to spend with you I will never forget.
Love,
Your sister Sue
JOSE ,LYSETTE,ALYSSA,TATIANNA LEON
June 17, 2006
DEAR KATE,TONY,KELLY
I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. WE PRAY FOR YOU AND BIG TONY. HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR PRAYERS
LOVE THE LEON'S
AVRIL GATTO
April 5, 2006
Dear Kate,
Thirteen years ago Ashley and I met your son and instantly we gained a loving family from that day forward. I chose Big Tony to be Ashley's Godfather because of how kind and loving he was towards her. There are so many things I want to say that he did for me but I honestly would be here all night typing. Through the bad times and the good times with Tony JR he never once turned his back on me and he was always there for me without hestitation. Before I bought my house on the Black Horse Pike he wanted to go there to make sure the house was perfect for me and the kids. Tony checked everything possible in the house to make sure it was suitable for us. I have always looked at him like a second father to me and that is one of many things I will miss about him. Kate you are such a strong, beautiful and loving person and I want you to know that I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling. I am honored to be apart of the Gatto Family now. To be honest I feel like I was apart of it way before Tony and I got married. To be exact Thirteen years ago is when I felt this way and Big Tony had alot to do with that. Your husband, my father in law was a great man and I will always remember all the wonderful things about him and all the great things he did for us! The last thing I will say is that because of him I will always love the smell of lilacs!
I love you Kate!
Love,
Avril Gatto
Mary Gatto
April 4, 2006
Uncle Tony- I miss & love you so much. Thinking of going on with our lives is hard to imagine, but knowing that you're healthy and happy now makes me smile. Im so glad to know that i was blessed with your love, and as my godfather i know you can now really watch over me. i love you always and forever.
To my family- I love every single person in our huge family. Im SO glad that im a part of the gatto family, there is just so much love and kindness in everyone. We will always be here to help eachother, and that is the true definition of love.
Love always, Mary.
Kelly Gatto
April 3, 2006
This is an email that I sent out last week....
Well, everyone, I've been wanting to send out one last email, but have been struggling to find the words of what to write...but I think I'm ready to now....
It's been a long road that has lead us to here. Three years ago, my father was at work and someone told him he looked yellow. Not thinking too much of it, he called his doctor and got right in....a day or so later our lives changed completely. We headed right up to Thomas Jefferson in Philly and at the time, we didn't even know what a pancreas was...and we sure didn't know the seriousness of Pancreatic Cancer. Once we learned about the cancer and knew how serious it was, we all had a new outlook on life. But, I must admit....I never accepted the fact that my father could actually die from this cancer...I always thought if one treatment doesn't work...another will, and another....
My whole family thought that as well, and especially my father....he fought all the way to the end. Just days before he passed, when he was somewhat coherent, and we had to lift him out of bed to give him his Bahamas shots, I asked him if he still wanted to take them, he said to me "I have to." We eventually had to stop them, it was just too much to have to give him a shot every hour each day.
Something I told my father days before he passed...I whispered in his ear..."Daddy, you did so good, you fought so hard and I'm so proud of you. You fought this all the way through with complete pride and dignity, and I'm so proud that you are my father......"
And he did, through this long battle, he never complained and never felt sorry for himself. (it makes me think twice anymore when I don't feel good, how can I complain about something so minor).
And I truly am proud and blessed that Anthony J. Gatto is my father....the following that he had with the Bahamas adventure and to see how many people cared and wanted to know how he was doing....that, right there, says so much.
Another thing I am proud of is my family....I come from a HUGE family....I mean my father is 1 of 12! That's a big family! But as big as we are.....we are so close...we're not strangers to each other....we really do love and like each other! And I can thank all of that to my father (and you too Mommy! : ) and of course Grandmom Gatto!
And to all of you, who cared and wanted to read the updates and attended the benefit and of course attended my father's services....you all really did contribute to this long fight....my father knew all of you were right there routing him on. He truly was a blessed man, and I truly do feel so lucky and proud that he is my father.
Well, I guess this ends this journey...there are so many people mourning the loss of my father...but one thing that helps me get by each day is to know that he is finally resting and out of pain....and cancer free.
Thank you all again for your support through all of this.
Take care.
Love,
Kelly Jean Gatto
Chuck & Donna Tumulty
March 29, 2006
Dear Kate, Tony, Kelly, and our entire family.
I just read Kelly's final email, Tony Gatto, My Father and was moved to tears. This past week I have thought of Tony and our years together. I never had a brother but I always considered Tony as my brother.
He immediately earned my respect when he first started dating Kate and had to deal with my father. I know it wasn't easy but he did it and he earned my father's respect. I know Dad not only thought of Tony as his son-in-law but also a good friend.
Through the years we have all gone through tough times and Tony was always there. Last week when we were making arrangements with the funeral home and cemetary, I mentioned to Kate that I didn't remember going to the cemetary and making the arrangements for the funeral, when Charlie died. She said that I didn't, that Tony had taken care of everything. He never said a word about it and I never knew that he did it until last week. That's the kind of person he was. He would do for others and never say a word and never expect a thank you.
We had so many great times together and I have so many good memories. We will miss Tony but as Kelly said in her email "he is resting and out of pain....and cancer free."
With love & sympathy, Chuck, Donna, Kelly, Dave, Lily, Michael, & Azia.
Brody Dickerson
March 27, 2006
Dear Kate and family,
We're all so sorry to hear of your loss..God Bless you all...
Fondly,
Brody and family
Al,Doris,Jeffrey,Kayla and Baby Mary Grace Geisler
March 27, 2006
My Dearest Kate,Tony and Kelly,
The greatest gift we have from God is love, and Tony was loved by so many, that if love could have saved him, he would have lived forever.
We are praying daily for Gods Grace to heal and to comfort you. With all of our love forever,
Al Sullivan
March 27, 2006
Sorry for your loss. May God guide you and take care of you in this time of need. Tony was a good man and a kind soul.
Mary Jane Valiante
March 26, 2006
Dear Kate and Gatto Family,
I wish Mickey had been here to say goodbye and to pay his respects. We are so sorry for your loss, which is a loss for the whole community. Every one knew Tony Gatto. We all prayed for him. We all held high hopes for him each time he left for the Bahamas. And our hearts all broke for his family when he passed away.
I have great admiration for the courage and fortitude you all lived your lives with during Tony's illness. He must have felt immensely loved. God Bless You.
Michael and Mary Jane Valiante
Tammie & Jayson Amoroso
March 26, 2006
To: Kate ,Tony ,Kelly and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
God Bless!
Jayson & Tammie Amoroso
Alan Blumlein
March 26, 2006
Dear Gatto Family
I am so deeply saddened at the news of Tony's passing.
It was a privilege to work with such a warm hearted and upbeat person who always had such a great attitude towards life. I'm grateful to have known Tony.
Alan Blumlein
John Wayne
March 23, 2006
March 19, 2006
Dear Kate and family,
Being with all of you today at the funeral home gave me time to reflect on some of the good times that Tony and I shared while working at Atlantic City Race Course. I had first met Tony while I was a young Detective at the track during the 1976 and 1977 racing seasons. When I returned to the track during 1986 and 1987 in a supervisory role over security, Tony was now the plant superintendent and a very capable guy and I was appreciative of the work ethic that he displayed.
Returning to the track in 1990 in a new role, I came to appreciate Tony even more. He made each day to come to work a pleasure and something to look forward to. He and I spent many hours talking about all things in the world and racing and he always had a great quip or line quoting his uncle frequently about his philosophies.
As I continued to work at the track, I was aware that there was no job that Tony could not do or attempt. As his write up in the Atlantic City Press stated, “he was a Jack of all trades,” however, it should have been added that he was a “master of many.” It was not uncommon for us to see Tony climbing flag poles, swinging from the ceiling installing flag, banners or this or that and making it look easy. He was always a very sympathetic boss to his men and would never ask them to do a job that he would not or had not done in the past. One thing that was a constant, is that his family was always paramount in his mind. If there was a roof to repair, room to install, plumbing to do or any other job, he was there to do the job. In addition to being there to help his family, he also spent time helping his friends as well. He was one of the most selfless individuals I had ever met.
I have a lot of great memories with Tony at the track, and on business trips, far too many to list in a letter. We saw the track undergo several changes over the years. Going from the years of prosperity to some pretty lean years during the late 1990’s, but all through this he kept a lot of us up-beat and thinking positive despite what appeared to be inevitable financial doom.
I know that he made my job easier and pleasant with his great personality, wit and perspective to see positive things in most situations. I also know that this view was shared by a lot of his colleagues and associates. The ball playing years were some of the best that I can recall and his talents included catching the ball, holding a can of Coors light, tossing the beer in the air while he threw the ball, and then re-caught the can. What a talent.
The photos that you had on display at the funeral home showed someone that lived a full and rich life. This is how I remember Tony as my colleague and friend. We all share the loss of Tony and the void that is now there, however with these great memories we also can share the enrichment that he added to our lives by knowing and working with him. If you recall when I worked with Tony, his call sign was “Delta 13” and I can assure you that this call sign is now ”retired” and no one where I may be working in the future will ever have it assigned to them.
Dierdre and I along with our family, my mom Fran, and daughter Daphne offer our condolences to you and your family and we will keep you in our daily prayers and pray that the Lord gives you what you need.
Your friends,
John and Dierdre
Melissa Mildren
March 22, 2006
Uncle Tony- You lived and loved life each day, you inspired others and you believed. You were the strongest man i knew. You were given a few bumpy roads in life but you didnt give up, you kept going even though you knew it was going to be tough. you fought, with love backing you up 100% and even though you may not be here today that love is living with you in our hearts. Maybe someday we'll go to that Prom uncle tony! someday. and dont worry about aunt kate, kelly and little tony because all that love that was there for you is now helping them just as much each and everyday! I Love You Uncle tony!xoxo
Love you always!
Bob Kellard
March 22, 2006
To: The Gatto Family;
My heart felt symapthy for your loss.
Over the past 15 years or so, I've had the pleasure of working with Tony at the A/C RaceCourse. His help in all the logistics involved in bringing the Cole Brothers Circus to town. I was hoping he would have a full recovery but sadly, that was not the case. I will miss his smiling face and friendship. On behalf our circus family I wish your family all the best. I know Tony is in a better place and his suffering has ended.
With warmest regards,
Bob Kellard
Evelyn Morozzi
March 22, 2006
To My Second Family,
Growing up at the Gatto's there was never a dull moment, I'm sure a lot of people will agree. This is a family that has made an everlasting impression in so many peoples hearts and souls and will forever be in the prayers of many caring friends. When I think of Tony as I am sure a lot of other people do, I have nothing but happy memories to reflect upon. Tony is at peace now and we will forever celebrate his memory every day of our lives. His couragous battle will always be an inspiration to not only myself but many others as well.
To Kate, Kelly, and Tony, your family is so very strong and the love that runs through all of your veins will get you through this trying time. I LOVE YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!!!
Michael Oganezov
March 22, 2006
I grew to know Tony at the race track from our business association. Over time I learned that he was a man of honor with a big heart. He always treated me fairly and I will always have great respect for the man. My prayers go out for him and his loved ones.
Jay McKeen
March 21, 2006
My thoughts are with Tony, and with a good, loving family who surrounded and comforted him when he needed you.
Amanda Merlock
March 21, 2006
We love you Uncle Tony and will miss you! Don't worry though, we will take good care of Grandmom Gatto, Aunt Kate, Kelly, and Tony for you! Hugs and Kisses!
hal handel
March 21, 2006
Dear Family
What a privilege it was to get to know Tony and to work with him. I truly felt fortunate to "inherit" Tony when we bought Atlantic City and had nothing but respect and admiration for him. I hope you are comforted in some small degree by the knowledge that the love and care he received from you at all stages of this hideous disease was truly remarkable
Hal Handel
The Redmond Family
March 21, 2006
Our heartfelt condolences go to the Gatto family. Tony will always be remembered as a special racetrack friend of Christina and Nicole. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
March 21, 2006
In regards to what Tim Cramer wrote below from the Bible,
John 3:16
"Yes, God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him may not die but may have eternal life."
Mel Cortina
March 21, 2006
My condolences to all his loved ones. Tony's courage will remain as an inspiration to us all.
Tara Ryan
March 21, 2006
To the Gatto Family,
I am sorry for the loss of such a special man. Tony was my godfather and some of my fondest Christmas memories were going to the Gattos as a kid. He always made sure everyone had fun and that us kids had plenty of cookies. I'll always remember him for his kindness,jovial nature, and ability to put a smile on anyone's face. He will be missed and I am truly blessed having known him.
Amanda Shechter
March 21, 2006
To the Gatto Family:
I am so very sorry for your loss. It is amazing how quickly your family made me feel welcomed and loved, not just as a friend, but as an actual part of the family. With only one weekend trip to Maine, I bonded with many of your friends and family and felt right at home. (I think Amy was a little jealous at one point :-) I appreciated that so much and I want you to know that I will always be there for you all as well.
With deepest sympathy,
Amanda Shechter
Tim Cramer
March 21, 2006
As we all know any time here on earth is precious. And the benefit in july gave Tony more precious time to share with family and friends. To see Tony Jr. get married, to share another Christmas and to say everything he wanted to all his friends and family. These are special blessings. If in some small way the benefit helped extend Tonys time with us, I'm extremely proud to be a tiny part of it!! Last but not least, I've always felt that God calls his children home on special days and Tonys calling was very special. Called to heaven on March 16th. A priest once told me that is Gods special day. Maybe he was right. If you put the numbers side by side it's 3:16. And we all know that special part of the bible called JOHN 3:16 !! God bless all of the Gatto family and to all let me say I'm a better person for knowing, working with and having as a friend and competitor Tony Gatto Sr. Thanks Tony for memories I'll never forget!!!
Bob Mattle
March 21, 2006
Kate and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob Mattle.
Miriam Porter
March 21, 2006
Dear Gatto Family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He will always be in your hearts guiding you through the rest of your lives. I am sure he is so very proud and thankful for the wonderful family he has. He will be greatly missed.
Miriam
Brian and Kelly Binninger
March 21, 2006
My husband and I both had the opportunity to work with Tony at the ACRC. He was a wonderful man who had such a close relationship with his friends and family. We are grateful to have shared that time with him, and we will miss him every day. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Gatto family. Respect, love, and sympathy for your loss,
Brian, Kelly, and baby Pamela Binninger
Jeffrey, Maureen, Bryson, Chesney & Autumn Bugdon
March 21, 2006
Dear Kate, Kelly, Tony, Avril, Mom Gatto & all ...
There's almost nothing left to say without crying. Our hearts are just crushed. While we did not want to see our dear friend suffer for one more day, how will life ever be the same with such a void? Tony was so loved. We know you know that. We haven't been this upset since we lost our own parents. What a man ... what a family ... what a dear shame. We love you guys and we'll hold onto the memories and the laughter for the rest of our lives.
This was a devastating blow to everyone, but most assuredly to you ... we just can't imagine how you're getting through the days.
We will be here for you 24/7 and hope somehow the bond created by the mutual love of Tony and the years of friendship will keep us close for always because just as he was incredibly special - so are each of you to us. Our babies and Bryson will grow up knowing what a special Guardian Uncle they have in Heaven. We love you.
- Much love from all the Bugdons xoxoxox (too many to list anymore!)
tammy kaminski
March 20, 2006
sorry to hear of your loss my sympathies to all of you
ERIN WESTPHAL
March 20, 2006
ALTHOUGH I DIDNT KNOW YOU THAT WELL YOU AND KATE ALWAYS MADE ME FEEL WELCOME IN YOUR HOME. THANK YOU & REST IN PEACE.
Stephanie & Rick Johnson
March 20, 2006
To The Gatto Family~
We send our love. We did not know Tony, but met his wonderful daughter and neice on a trip a few years ago and have kept in contact ever since. We know that you have a very loving and tight family and that is what will get you through this sad time. I know because ironically, I lost my mother on March 16th 1997 to breast cancer. He is going to be your gaurding angel, like my moom is to me. Love to you all. The Johnson's
Donna Pikart
March 20, 2006
Gatto Family,
I send my deepest condolences to your family. We lost John's mother to the same a few years ago. Knowing how close and strong your family is, Big Tony really enjoyed his last days. First thing that comes to mind is Avril and Tony's wedding when Big Tony danced with Kelly. It still brings tears to my eyes. What a beautiful day that was. I hope the memories of your beautiful family brings you tears of joy in this time of grievence.
Lots of Love
Donna & John Pikart
Felecia Ponzetti
March 19, 2006
I was so sorry to hear about Tony. He and his family were "two doors down" when we grew up. I always felt the strong famiy ties, Tony your family was and still is amazing. I hope when you are up there you say hi to Kathy, losing a family member is never easy. I hope you are free of pain Tony and up there causing trouble. To the rest of the family i can only imagine the loss your are feeling, my deepest condolences Felecia
Donna Marth-Brown
March 19, 2006
Kate:
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Tony was an exceptional man, and my late husband Artie and he are probably hooting it up in Heaven!
My prayers are with the entire family and friends during this most difficult time.
Love,
Donna Brown and Artie IV
Mary Lynn Doernbach
March 19, 2006
My sympathy and prayers to the entire Gatto Family.
Mary Ann Torres (Mohn)
March 19, 2006
Kate and Family,
Hold on to your memories, you will cherish every one of them. My memories of Tony will be of softball and Mickey and Minnies..always with a smile on his face. I know Dotsie and Philip were there ready to greet him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Gatto family.
Dr. Debbie Lamparter
March 19, 2006
I have had the privilege of working with Tony and Billy for many years at Atlantic City Race Course. Any time I ever needed Tony's help, he was there. His fight and determination these past years was remarkable. What a wonderful man and family. It has been a distinct pleasure to know and work with him.
Traci Daughtry
March 19, 2006
To the Gatto family:
I would also look forward to my visit's from Florida to New Jersey. From the first time I came years ago I was always made to feel right at home - from everyone in the family. There are certain people in your life who you meet who leave a lasting impression, Tony is one of those people.
In this time of grief and sadness, please know that even though he is gone - he his at peace now. Let the memories and love he left get you by each day.
From myself and my family, I would like to express our condolences for your loss. We will continue to pray for you as you grieve for this wonderful man. God Bless you all. Love ya - Florida Girl.
Ramona Gallagher
March 19, 2006
So sorry for your loss, Kate. Your husband was such a good friend to my daughter and always willing to help me at lunchtime from the track when things around my house broke or needed fixing. He was a great man. I will pray for you and your family for strength.
Theresa Valainte
March 19, 2006
In life we have the pleasure of meeting people who leave a distinct impression on us forever. I had that pleasure of meeting Tony Gatto Sr.and his wonderful family and friends. Although I have only known the Gatto family for a few years, I have been blessed with the friendship of Kate, Kelly and Tony Jr. and all of the wonderful memories and stories of Tony Sr. and "The Clan". Tony Sr. was like a uncle to my husband Rob and I truly believe he left an everlasting mark on my husband's life along with so many others. He touched so many peoples' lives with his kindness and wisdom and I only wish I had the opportunity to know him better. His legacy will live on with his children and grandchildren and knowing that he is alongside my sister, telling her stories and bringing her messages from below, only reinforces his kindness and love and determination to continue to shine through. Rest in peace Tony.
Stephanie Rambo
March 19, 2006
Tony, Avril, Ash and Anthony, my thoughts are with you and the Gatto family every day. I love you guys very much and the kids, Steve and I are very sorry for your loss. Please let us know if there's anything you need. We are here for you always. Love ya's!
Trisha Loveland
March 18, 2006
The entire Gatto family has been like family to me and I am very sad that my "second daddy" is no longer here with us. But I am so blessed that he was and always will be a part of my life. I am grateful to have all of you in my life, especially Kelly and Kate. I love you both so much and couldn't imagine my life without you's!
Dennis Hagel
March 18, 2006
To the Gatto Family,
I was very sorry to hear about Tony's death. I have a lot of great memories of all of us growing up together at Mickey and Minnie's and I will always think of him whenever I am there. May God be with you during this difficult time and my prayers are with you all.
John & Peggy Cappuccio
March 18, 2006
To the Gatto family,
We are very sorrow for your loss. We will always cherish the good times we had with Tony at the Race Track. As we are sure this is a tough time for all of you, we know that Tony is now at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Sincerely,
John and Peggy Cappuccio and family
Deb & Randy Lafferty
March 18, 2006
Kate and family,
Having just lost my mother to cancer only a few months ago, it is all too understandable what a loss you feel over the death of your husband, parent, sibiling and friend. Although we did not have the privelege to know Tony personally, the many friends and relatives that we have had the honor of being involved with in business and politics have given us a sense of the man who meant so much to so many.
Now that Tony is finally free of pain and suffering, we wish the family, friends and loved ones who are feeling the pain of his passing the comfort of knowing that your grief is shared by everyone. Be comforted in the knowlege that Tony is in a place that we can all hope to be some day. Your lives will go on and eventually your pain will be replaced by wonderful memories of life with him.
With our sincere condolences,
Deb & Randy Lafferty
Charlene Montalvo
March 18, 2006
To The Gatto Family,
You are all the most amazing people I've ever met! I have had the opportunity to be around all of you and am thankful for the experiences. I am sorry for your loss and I know that your love for one another will carry you through this! Rest in Peace Tony!
All my love,
Charlene
The Gatto Family in the Bahamas
March 18, 2006
Mary Jo Couts
March 18, 2006
Tony,
You and Billy gave a new meaning to the word "feets"! Thanks to you, Billy & Jim for making my birthdays special. We'll have to pick up where we left off when we meet you on the other side. Save us a seat will ya!! I feel privileged that your services just happened to be held on my birthday. I'll toast you every year.
Rick Johnson
March 18, 2006
Tony,
I never meet you but by the way your daughter and niece talked about you. You must have been a hell of a man.
God speed..... Come say hi when I get to heaven,
RJ
Tom Pappas
March 18, 2006
Dear Gatto Family,
I was saddened this morning to see of Tony's death from cancer this week. My sympathy and prayers go out to your family.
God Bless,
Tom pappas
Amy Gatto
March 18, 2006
Uncle Tony - Words can't describe what a wonderful man you were. Your strength is inspiring, your love is enduring, your kindness is admirable. I am so happy you are finally in peace. While your enjoying life up in the heavens, please put a fire under my dad's butt every now and then to cross some things off my house to-do list as you always did for me! By the way... the termites will be taken care of this month!!
Love Eternally,
Amy Gatto
james Nace
March 18, 2006
Tony was a truly unique individual,how he loved his work,his hunting and of course those infamous Gato parties.I knew Tony since my freshman year of high school,from the first day I met him to the last time I saw him he always had the gleam in his eye ,and that smile on his face. Tony took tough to a new level when he waged his battle with the cancer.I,like so many in this area am proud to call Tony Gato my friend.My condolences to Kate and the entire Gato family,
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