Obituary

Donald “Don” Gattuso

Donald “Don” Gattuso, born June 3, 1936 in Westfield, New York, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 7, 2024. Don lived a life full of love and laughter, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.

In the mid-1950s, Don proudly served his country as a Marine, in the reconstruction of Japan. After his service, he moved to California, where fate led him to meet the love of his life, Angela, on a blind date. In 1963, they married, embarking on a remarkable 60-year journey together. Don and Angela were inseparable, with Don always having her accompany him everywhere, whether it was to church, the doctor’s office, or just out for a stroll.

He loved nothing more than relaxing with a top-shelf gin and tonic in hand, watching old cowboy Westerns on the Grit Channel, a classic World War II movie or The Family Feud. Sundays were reserved for family spaghetti dinners, where Don’s joy for Italian food, especially when prepared by his wife and shared with loved ones, was on full display.  Still, he always made sure to lend a helping hand to clear the table and rinse the dishes for his wife Ang.

Don was known for his notable laugh, jokes, pranks, and his swift, sometimes unnoticed, departures from gatherings while his wife was still socializing and saying her good byes. He shared a special bond with his brothers, Sal and Joe, often reminiscing about their shared past. Don had a special talent for nurturing his garden, particularly his tomatoes, peppers, and fig tree. He was also sure to feed the squirrels that would come to visit his backyard everyday.

Early on in life, Don’s professional careers were in the Aero Space industry and owning his own painting and wallpapering company. Later in life after he was retired, Don was a popular manager at the Coffee Bean in Ralph’s, where his easy-going management style made him beloved by both staff and customers alike. Don and Angela were also regular parishioners at Corpus Christi Church, where they both maintained close relationships with friends and their priests.

Don’s love for life was evident in his enthusiasm for parties, dancing (sometimes with a belly dancer), but always with his wife, and his penchant for gambling at the slots. Despite his many shirts, Angela would often joke that he could never have enough.

Don is survived by his sons David and Daniel, his grandkids Evan and Alec, and his extended family who will always hold him close in their hearts. His memory will be honored with every Sunday spaghetti dinner, every sip of gin and tonic, and every joyful prank or tease shared among loved ones.

Don, your love for life and all of your family will live on in the stories we tell and the memories we cherish most about you.  We love you very much and we will miss you along with mom.

Rest in peace.

Dan, Dave, Evan & Alex