Frank Craig Gatto

Frank was born May 23, 1948 in Jamestown, NY, the son of Nina Lee (Jambliter) Gatto and Dr. Frank Ralph Gatto. He graduated from Jamestown High School in 1966 and entered the United States Navy, proudly serving in the Vietnam War. After receiving an honorable discharge, he earned his Associates Degree from Tidewater Community College in the early 1970s.

Frank married Kathleen Susan (Carlson) Gatto in 1969. Frank and Kathleen were happily married until Kathleen’s passing in 2017. They had two loving daughters, Jennifer and Kelly, and Frank was the ultimate “girl dad.”

More than 35 years of Frank’s career was spent in the transportation industry, where he worked for Ryder Truck Rental and Leasing. His career took the family to many different states, including Virginia, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, and South Carolina. He retired as National VP of Sales and Operations and is remembered fondly by his former co-workers.

After retirement, Frank and Kathleen settled in The Villages, Florida. There, Frank enjoyed many pastimes, including golf, motorcycle riding, the shooting range, racing his Corvette (which gave his daughters anxiety), and cheering on his beloved Florida State Seminoles. He loved to take his family on vacation and dote on his granddaughters.

Frank was preceded to heaven by his mother, father, and beloved wife Kathleen. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Gatto Englund and her husband Chris Englund; daughter Kelly Kathleen Inman and her husband Eric Inman; his two beautiful granddaughters, Adelyne Elizabeth Inman and Francesca Grace Inman; his sister Cheryl Gatto Walsh and family; and his brother Dr. John Gatto and family.

Though he achieved much in life, to his family, his greatest role was that of husband, father, and grandfather. “Poppi,” as he was known to his granddaughters, was also a brother, cousin, uncle, colleague, stand-in father figure to many, and cherished friend to all. Although his passing leaves his family and friends completely heartbroken, they find comfort knowing he is reunited with Kathleen.

A celebration of life will be held in Orlando this spring (details to follow). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Lung Association (action.lung.org) or the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org).