Joseph Anthony Gatto

- Joseph Anthony Gatto, 90, passed away at 5:00am Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Home at the Dome.Joseph was born on January 28, 1931 in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Mary (Colantoinio) Gatto. He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was a professor of Russian Language and Literature at the University of Notre Dame. Joe also served on the Board of Directors for the South Bend Housing Authority from 1967-1973, taught Italian at Forever Learning and volunteered with the Hope Rescue Mission and REAL Services. Joe never met a stranger and was always quick with a laugh and a song. On September 11, 1954 in Tacoma, Washington he married the former Barbara Ann Engle. She died on July 1, 2018. Surviving are two daughters Suzanne (Emil) Gibbons and Mary (Bob) Gatto, a son Joseph (Tracy) Gatto, 7 grandchildren Jessica, Lindsay, Brian, Kayla, Bennett, Jay, and Emily, 3 great-grandchildren Wyatt, Dandy, and Cora, his significant other Vonnie Hering, sister Rosemary Turner and cousin Fred Colantonio.A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place. Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care. To leave an online condolence, visit our website http://www.zahoran.com or our facebook page Zahoran Funeral Home.

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