Obituary of Mary Gatto

Born on April 11, 1933, during the Great Depression, Mary Gatto died on December 28, 2020, an unfortunate victim of the Great Pandemic.

In her 87-year journey, Mary lived life to the fullest while constantly bringing love to those around her.

The daughter of Italian immigrants, Mary took her first college course when she was in her 40s -- after raising a daughter and a son -- beginning the work that would become her life's passion – teaching young children to read. She spent most of her career as a teacher at P.S. 208 in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. As the "reading teacher," she touched the lives of many young children, instilling in them the importance and joy of reading.

A Brooklyn native and lifelong resident, Mary is remembered by her closest friends and family as one of the sweetest, kindest and caring people they've known. A selfless individual who always thought of others first, she was most proud of her daughter Maryann and her son Anthony and her two grandchildren, Nicole and Michael

When she finally took time for her own interests, Mary enjoyed excursions to faraway lands, opera and listening to old Neapolitan love songs sung by Jimmy Roselli.

Perhaps her granddaughter Nicole put it best in describing a life well-lived:

Please CLICK HERE to be directed to the beautiful tribute post in Mary's memory.