May 9, 1925 – October 3, 2021
Anthony “Tony” Gatt of Fort Myers, Florida died October 3, 2021, surrounded by the love and warmth of his eldest son Rick, daughter Amelia, and grandson Thomas and caretaker Arianna in Arlington, Texas. He was 96.
The oldest of eight children, Tony was born May 9, 1925, in Marsa, Malta to Benjamina Gatt and Carmel Gatt. Tenacious, determined, and strong-willed from the beginning, he forged a path to Detroit, Michigan in 1946. There he worked tirelessly with a mission to pave a future of security and opportunity for his family and later for his children, Rick, Maureen, and Jeff.
A pipe fitter with Wood Mantel & Tile by day and Ford Motors by night, Tony established his legacy as an endless provider before retiring to Florida. With his weathered hands he built and renovated homes for many of his loved ones, including each of his children, crafted magnificent landscapes, prepared feasts akin to a chef, and served delicious banana splits.
Beloved by so many, Tony had many titles, including Son, Brother, Uncle, Husband, Dad, Nannu, and Big Nannu. He will be remembered for his great faith, lessons of hard-work and resilience, pride in his family, genuine care for their financial and physical health, jokes played on his grandchildren and great grandchildren, his signature wooden tobacco pipe, and his avid enthusiam for fútbol and the Detroit Red Wings. He will forever be appreciated for the perseverance, good sense, and work-ethic he passed down to each generation, the sacrifices he made in their honor, and the destiny he carved for them.
Though of short stature, Tony was seen as mighty by all that knew and loved him. When declining health eventually claimed that strength, it also brought him a softness we will always cherish. It developed in us patience, and it allowed us to reward him with the devotion he had for so long bestowed upon us. The joy he found in that endearment meant the world to him, and it was evidenced in his expression. For a man of few words, it could only be described as, “Super-Super-Super.”
As witnessed by the range of our successes, Tony’s mission is complete. His lasting legacy ensures that in his absence our homes remain warm, our food remains plentiful, and our wants remain trivial. For through him we have become the provider. His legacy will live on, in us and through us, and we take solace in the knowing that he can now rest easy with the Lord.
Tony was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Gatt; parents, Benjamina Gatt and Carmel Gatt; sisters, Erminia (John) Cini, Iris Farrugia, Agnes Balda, and Josephine Gatt; and daughter, Deborah Sabino-Keith.
He is survived by his loving wife, Maureen Gatt; siblings, Joseph (Rita) Gatt, Mary (Emanuel) Cassar, Charlie Farrugia, and Carmel (Carol) Gatt; children, Rick (Amelia) Gatt, Maureen (Lennie) Victor, Jeff (Monica) Gatt, Janine (Mitch) Albom, John Sabino, Kathleen Sabino, Patricia (Rick) Krupske, and Gregory (Anne Marie) Ciupek; grandchildren, Michael Bosquez, Kevin Bosquez, Melanie (Nick) McFadden, Stephanie Gatt, Bryan (Tom) Victor, Sarah Gatt, Scott (Samantha) Victor, Samantha Gatt, Thomas Gatt, Lauren Gatt, Michael (Lindsey) Moore, Daniel (Kathryn) Kieth, John (Erica) Kieth, Nicole Sabino, Janine (Anton) Ruffino, Joseph Domish, Paul Domish, Laura Beth Domish, David (Jenny) Bammel, Alexander Hermann, Devon (Steven) Mason, Brittani (Adam) Perestam, and Joshua Ciupek; great-grandchildren, Joshua McFadden, Grace Victor, Lily Reaves, Madilyn Moore, Isabella Moore, Janine Keith, Gabriella Ruffino, Ava Ruffino, Mia Ruffino, Vito Bammel, David Bammel, Aria Mason, Ezra Mason, William Perestam, and Isaac Perestam; and many loving nieces and nephews.
His memory will be treasured and held dear by those he left behind.
A Catholic mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at 1:00 PM at Saint John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Ln, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Live streaming is available for those who are not able to attend. Click on the link or copy and paste to your browser. The link is as follows: https://youtu.be/dX0P6Cf8gLM and a backup link at:
https://youtu.be/iGsbLvgKluw
Arrangements are being handled by Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to:
Saint Vincent de Paul (SVdP)
C/O Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church
1200 S Davis Drive
Arlington, Texas 76013
