Larry Gatta

Lorenzo “Larry” Gatta, 87, of Niles joined his daughter Donna in heaven Saturday, May 6, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born January 8, 1930 in Bagnoli Irpino, Italy the son of Aniello and Angelina Nicastro Gatta. He made the voyage to the United States in 1947 and settled in Niles. Larry was proud to call Niles home for seventy years.

Larry was employed  for 33 1/2 years at U.S. Steel Corporation until its closing in 1980. He then joined family and was employed  at Chieffo and D’Urso Bakery until his retirement. His retirement years were filled with pizza making with his wife every Friday, spending time in his garden  and especially with family.

Larry was a man of great faith. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles and during their annual church festival could always be found cooking sausage along with many of his friends. He was also a member of The Bagnoli Irpino Club where he spent many enjoyable moments with fellow Italian members.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 67 years Geraldine Chieffo Gatta whom he married December 2, 1950, four daughters, Angela Byrom and her husband Robert of Westerville, Ohio, Anna Mae Searfoss and her husband John of Alliance, Gerri Melillo and her husband Mike of Niles and Laurena Rouan and her husband Rob of Niles, eleven grandchildren, Stephen Byrom(Michael Dutcher), Lauren Tiemeier and her husband Brian, Eric Fickes and his wife Anne, Deanna Prezioso and her husband Rocky, Katie McMullen and her husband Tom, Leigh Ann Ferrell and her husband Dave, Michelle Spano and her husband Randy, Allison Johnson and her husband Chaz, Vincent Melillo, Scott Rouan and his wife Lizzy, Bob McDermott, and Megan McDermott. Larry’s legacy of love also continues with his ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Donna Gatta Fickes, a brother Dominic Gatta, and a sister Rosina Gatta Nicastro.

Larry greatly treasured his family; they were the center of his care and affections. The title Grandpa made him the proudest of all.

Larry will always be remembered as an extraordinary man who put faith and family first who loved unconditionally with his whole heart. He was greatly admired for his remarkable gardening and wine making skills, and his tireless work ethic.

Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 7PM at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where The Mount Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 6:30PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10AM Wednesday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles preceded by a 9:30AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home

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