WEBSTER - Ernest F. Gatto Jr., 86, passed away peacefully at home, March 21, 2025 after an illness. His loving wife of 65 years, Carolyn (Ledoux) Gatto died on February 24, 2025.
He is survived by his 2 daughters, Cheryl A. Nowlan and her husband Donald, and Rhonda Podell; his 2 sons, Jeffrey Gatto and his wife Yvonne of Webster and Robert Gatto; 2 sisters, Rita Brausam of Peoria, AZ; and Geraldine Festa of Brooklyn, CT; four grandchildren, Brian, Shawn, Matthew and Kayla; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Francis Gatto and by his sister Gail Atherton.
Ernest was Born on January 2, 1939 in Quincy MA a son of Ernest F. Gatto Sr. and Rita (Dube) Gatto, and grew up in Worcester MA where he attended South High School and later the University of Vermont.
Ernest and Carolyn married in 1960 and lived in Worcester, MA until moving to
Webster, MA in 1965 to raise their family. Ernest began working early in life with his father in the plumbing field. He moved on becoming a machinist then into the commercial mechanical field as a plumber and master heating and pipefitter while attending trade school. Excelling in his trade, he accepted promotions of job Foreman, Project Manager and then Executive Vice President of M.J. Flaherty Mechanical Contracting Company retiring in 2011.
Ernest was very active in the Knights of Columbus. As a member of the Webster Knights of Columbus 3 rd Degree Council 228, he embraced roles as a Guard, Deputy Grand Knight and in 1981, Grand Knight. Ernest was also a Faithful Captain of the Knights of Columbus 4 th Degree Oxford Assembly 1924. Ernest then accepted the role of District Deputy supporting five local councils to include Council 228.
Ernest along with four other District Deputies were honored to be the founders of the Knights of Columbus John Cardinal Wright 4th Degree Assembly #1924.
Ernest was a president of the Southern MA Beagle Club in Douglas, MA and Pioneer Valley Beagle Club. He had a love of German Short Haired pointers, enjoyed fishing and the autumn season. The gentle kindness and love he conveyed was felt by all that knew him and he will be truly missed.
The family would like to thank Care Central VNA for their outstanding care and compassion.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in Scanlon
Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street Webster. The Services and burial will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to Care Central VNA & Hospice Inc. P.O. Box 368, 534 School St Webster, MA 01570.