Photo courtesy Asm. Mike Gatto’s Office: Mike Gatto and father, Joseph, at his first term swearing-in ceremony June 10, 2010
Preparation are underway for the funeral of Joseph Gatto, the father of Assemblyman Mike Gatto. The assemblyman’s office announced the services will be this coming Monday, November 25, 10 a.m. at Our Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church ,2060 North Vermont Avenue, in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. A private reception and graveside burial will follow the funeral mass, according to a news release.
Meanwhile, LAPD detectives continue the investigation into the shooting the death of the family patriarch. The 78-year-old retired art and design teacher was discovered slumped over his desk in his Silver Lake home last Wednesday evening by his daughter and her fiancé. The victim’s home, in an affluent area near the Silver Lake reservoir, reportedly had been ransacked.
In media reports, neighbors decried the crime and praised the elder Gatto, who in his later years exercised his passionate for art, collecting religious icons, and gardening. More on that here.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be sent to one of Joseph Gatto’s three favorite charities:
1. The Historic Italian Hall Foundation 125 Paseo De la Plaza, Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213-485-8432
2. The Los Angeles Community Garden Council 4470 W. Sunset Blvd. #381, Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323-942-WORM
3. The Tuition Magician, Attn: Joe Gatto Arts Scholarship 470 West Sunset Blvd. #378, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Assemblyman Mike Gatto, a Democrat, represents the 43rd District, which includes Silver Lake, Burbank, Glendale,and a number of other local communities.
