Obituaries

Louis F. Gatto, age 81, of State College, and formerly of Old Forge, passed away Thursday at Mountain Nittany Medical Center. His wife of 46 years, Angeline Palumbo Gatto, preceded him in death on July 6, 2002.
Born in Dunmore, on November 30, 1929, son of the late James V. and Blanche Fontanella Gatto, Louis was a graduate of Dunmore High School, Class of 1946. A United States Veteran and a member of the American Legion Post 513 of Old Forge, he served as a Corporal for the Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War. Prior to his retirement, a member of the Local Union #130, he worked asa labor foreman.
Involved in the community, he was also a member of the State College Sons of Italy and a former Vice President of the Old Forge Democratic Organization.
Arguably Penn State University’s largest fan and supporter, he and his wife had moved out to State College from Old Forge where they would soon become a staple in the PSU family. He had been a board member for the State College Penn State Club of Scranton, the Nittany Lions Club of State College, both the Penn State Quarterback and Tailback Clubs, and the Penn State Roundball, Volleyball and Baseball Clubs.
An avid sports fan, he was also a member of the American Legion Baseball State Hall of Fame, the former President of the Old Forge High School Boosters Club, a member of the Mid Valley Old Timers Association, a Luzerne County Hall of Fame Officer, a member of the Old Forge High School Football Club and the former Athletic Director of American Legion Baseball.
Loved by all, Lou will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
He is survived by his two sisters, Jennie Nicosia and Mary Cantafio, both of Dunmore, and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and countless friends.
His brothers, Joseph and Vincent, his sister, Rose Stefin, and a great nephew, Robert Louis Toman also preceded him in death.
Funeral services have been scheduled for Wednesday at 11:00AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street in Old Forge, with a noon Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Prince of Peace Parish, 123 West Grace Street in Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. Joseph F. Cipriano, former pastor.
Interment with military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow in the Old Forge Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday between 3-7:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lou’s name to Penn State Annual Fund (c/o 27 Old Main, University Park, PA, 16802-1500).