Michael Gatto was born on October 25, 1956 in Grimaldi, Italy. At the age of two, he and his family immigrated to Canada settling in Port Arthur. There he met the love of his life Arlene in 1977 and was married two years later. In 1980, they welcomed their first son Ryan and six years later Jason completed their family of four.
Michael’s family meant everything to him and was at the heart of every decision he made. He was always willing to help his family and friends with whatever they needed; often times sacrificing his wants and needs in the process. Michael made connections with people easily and would usually be found discussing the chances of the Montreal Canadiens winning the Stanley Cup over a Tim Horton’s coffee. He also loved interacting with his fellow colleagues and students over the years working at Corpus Christi and St. Pius X Schools within the Thunder Bay Catholic School Board.
Michael found the most joy in his life as being a Grandfather to his grandchildren where he would take them to the park, plan family dinners, and watch them play hockey, soccer or swimming. He enjoyed travelling with Arlene to warm places where he would dip his toes in the ocean, feel the sun on his skin, and golf at different courses.
Michael is lovingly remembered by his sons Ryan (Holly), Jason (Lee-Anne Besselt) and his grandchildren Sienna, Sofie, Xavier and Brayden. Michael will be missed by his brothers and sisters Frank & Liisa, Susie & Bruce, and Ina & Dan. He is also survived by his father-in-law Victor, brother and sister inlaws Diane & Garry, Allen, Evelyn & Elio, Bruce & Laurie, Wayne & Noeline, and Jerry. Michael relished in his role as an Uncle and will be dearly missed by all of his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Arlene (May 2018), father and mother Ernesto & Theresa, brother Diego, mother-in-law Irene, and brother-in-law Gary.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 12th, 2018, leaving the Sargent & Son Funeral Home at 10:30 am to St. Anthony's R.C. Church for the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 am, concelebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini and Rev. Victor DeGagne. Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Chapel of the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street with a Vigil Prayer service at 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Michael & Arlene Gatto Memorial Award at the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board will be greatly appreciated at www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/3753. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
Our world is broken without Michael but, we have to find comfort that he is with Arlene once again.
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