Obituary

GIOVANNI "JOHN" GATTA - in Woburn, Friday, May 25th. Beloved husband of Sestilia (Federico) Gatta. Loving father of Felicia Ralphs and her husband Michael of Billerica, Michael Gatta and his wife Lisa of Burlington, Johanna Gatta of Reading, Anna Maria Gatta of Woburn, and Frank Gatta and Dara Larson of Billerica. Dear brother of the late Antonio, Aquilino, and Mario Gatta. Cherished "Nono" of Michael and Alexia Ralphs, Corina and Elias Christopoulos, John, Jacob, and Meena Gatta. Funeral from the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn on Thursday, May 31st at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn at 10. Calling hours on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Donations may be made in Mr. Gatta's memory to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.

OBITUARY:

Giovanni "John" Gatta passed away at his home, Friday, May twenty fifth. The beloved husband of Sestilia (Federico) Gatta, he was seventy six years of age.

Born in Villalago, Italy, Mr. Gatta was one of four sons born to the late Michele and Felicia (Gentile) Gatta. In addition to his parents, Mr. Gatta was predeceased by his dear brothers Antonio, Aquilino, and Mario Gatta.

He was introduced to Sestilia Federico through her brother. They married in 1963 in Italy. They moved to the United States in the early sixties and lived in the North End of Boston for a while. In 1972, they moved to Woburn. They made their home in the Hammond Square section of the city, where they have remained.

They brought five wonderful children into the world, of whom he was very proud. He always had stories, advice, and encouragement to share with his children, but just as importantly he knew how to be a good listener as well. Mr. Gatta had a very strong work ethic, and has passed this on to his children.

He was raised and educated in Italy and learned brick laying at an early age. His life was dedicated to being the best possible mason he could be. He had worked for the Teamsters for close to thirty years. He was actively involved in the building and additions to many institutions in Boston, including Mass. General Hospital, John Hancock and also many homes, libraries and community buildings in this area had the benefit of his expertise.

Mr. Gatta was quite a cook. During the summer months he would have a garden in his yard, tomatoes, onions, peppers, zucchini just to name a few of the vegetables. Not only would he grow them, harvest them and then the best part was his masterful cooking. Gravies, frittatas, and all sorts of lamb, chicken and sausage dishes, undoubtedly the best. To appropriately compliment and accompany these dinners was a glass of Mr. Gatta's homemade wine.

Mr. Gatta was a quiet, gentle, and cheerful man by nature. He built strong foundations throughout his lifetime, and his family foundation was the strongest of all. His family was always his priority.

He is lovingly survived by his dear wife of forty-nine years Sestilia, his children Felicia Ralphs and her husband Michael of Billerica, Michael Gatta and his wife Lisa of Burlington, Johanna Gatta of Reading, Anna Maria Gatta of Woburn, and Frank Gatta and Dara Larson of Billerica. Cherished "Nonno" of seven grandchildren, Michael and Alexia Ralphs, Corina and Elias Christopoulos, John, Jacob, and Meena Gatta. Funeral from the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn on Thursday, May 31st at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn at 10 a.m. Calling hours on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Donations may be made in Mr. Gatta's memory to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.