Michael Salvatore Gatta, aged 90, a long-time resident of Plainview, LI and most recently, a resident of Good Shepherd Village, Endwell, NY, passed away peacefully at Good Shepherd Village Skilled Nursing Unit, Endwell on Thursday, July 30, 2015 after an extended illness. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was predeceased by his parents, Victoria and Alfonso Gatta; mother and father-in-law, Rose and Anthony Panzica; sisters and brothers-in-law, Angie (Anthony) Bono, Rachel (Frank) Maione, Lucy (Frank) Fazio, Lawrence Panzica, Frank Grimaldi; and his loving son, Michael (Valerie) Gatta. He is survived by his darling wife of 65 years, Mary (Endwell, formerly Plainview, NY), daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Michael Ricciardi (Binghamton, NY); granddaughter, Victoria Rose Ricciardi (Providence, RI) whom he loved more than anything on this earth; sisters and brother-in-law, Josephine Grimaldi (Long Branch, NJ) and Dolores (Dom) Sorrentino (Old Bridge, NJ); nieces and nephews, Lena (Paul) Budveit (Woodhaven, NY), Mike (Rita) Bono (Dewey Beach, DE), Vicky (Larry) Book (E. Petersburg, PA), Saverio (Cathy) Maione (New Hampton, NY), Alfonso (Marianne) Maione (Mint Hill, NC), Connie (John) Pasqueralli (Levittown, NY), Frank ( Bonnie) Fazio (Chino, CA), Geraldine (Paul) Wawrezynski (West Garden Grove, CA), Frank (Roberta) Grimaldi (Longmont, CO), Pat (Fran) Grimaldi (Eatontown, NJ), Anne Marie (Sal) Massaro (Oceanport, NJ), Maria (Michael) Higgins (Old Bridge, NJ), Joseph Sorrentino (Old Bridge, NJ), Denise (Al) Faulborn (Old Bridge, NJ), Karen (Tim) Langan (Old Bridge, NJ); and many great-nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends. A member of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Plainview, NY, American Legion Post No. 1082, East Meadow, NY, Knights of Columbus Joseph Lamb Council #5723, and the DAV, Michael was most proud of his service in the Navy from 1943-1945, on the USS Trenton CL-11. Michael graduated from East New York Vocational High School in Brooklyn, NY and immediately enlisted in the Navy, receiving his training in Samson, NY. Following his service, he owned a dry cleaning business for a short time with his cousin Sal, attended the Radio Television Institute for one year, Saranac Lake Guild Study Home Photofluorography School, graduated from New York University for Electronics/Nuclear Physics, and Farmingdale University for Business and Industrial Management. His career began at Reeves Instrument Corp as a Methods Engineer and continued with PRD Electronics, Transvac Electronics as Plant Manager where he spent much time and fell in love with Haiti, Arco Electronics as a Methods Manager and Director of Operations, Arrow and Schweber Electronics. Following retirement in 1990, Michael enjoyed his time with Mary, traveling and catching up with friends at the Blue Angel Diner and the YMCA- JCC in Plainview. He reluctantly moved from his beloved Long Island to Endwell last year due to failing health, finding a loving and welcoming environment at Good Shepherd Village. Always with a memorable smile and a kind word for everybody, he often talked about how much he loved his family, extended family and friends, and will be greatly missed by all who loved him. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Howard and Francine Zuckerman, Barbara Sachs-Traina and Dr. DiRiggi of Long Island. We would also like to thank Good Shepherd Village Administrative, Rehab and Skilled Nursing staff for their friendship and compassionate care.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday 11 am from the Allen Memorial Home 511-513 E. Main Street, Endicott, with Deacon Thomas Harley officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Wednesday from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the DAV – Disabled American Veterans, online: www.dav.org, or by mail: DAV Donor Relations Department, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.