Vincent Joseph Gatto, 80, of Dryden, died Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. He was born Oct. 16, 1941 in New Kensington, Penn., the son of Joseph and Julia (Typinski) Gatto.
Vince Gatto (Jimmy) strode into my life a decade ago, forthcoming and impassioned as he spoke of childhood memories filled with tumult wherein his sole sustenance came primarily from his Polish grandparents whom he truly and forever treasured.
His mother was severe in her discipline and his father, an attorney, was largely absent and biased as well, having shown decided preference for Vince’s younger brother and 2 sisters. Thus, he was without guidance as his adored grandmother (who referred to him as “Jimmy”) succumbed to illness when he was but an eighth grader.
He was then left to his own devices in his efforts to reach adulthood, undaunted by the vitriol and acrimony which drove him from his parents’ home, having sought respite and stability at the Hazel Park raceway where he found a modicum of fiscal and emotional security, ever-resilient in his drive to attain a sense of autonomy amidst considerable travail.
His knowledge and excitement for thoroughbred racing never waned, even as he broadened his horizon by entering the armed services where he thrived under the tutelage of higher echelon officers, functioning with alacrity as their driver while simultaneously assimilating/mastering the mechanical underlay of a millwright, practicing same as his life work, employed as a sought-after craftsman in this profession for decades until his retirement following the crippling blow/death of his beloved wife Janice, approximately 15 years prior to his own.
Yet Vince had accomplished much before her passing, having also restored an early 1950s flathead V-8 Ford sprint car, notable for its Granatelli heads and intake manifold with three two-barrel Stromberg carburetors. He fabricated the missing and destroyed sheet metal to perfection, this feat so exemplary that Ford Motor Company requested and paid for transport of his one-of-a-kind vehicle for display at their Centennial Celebration.
His children, Scottie and Jill, grandson, Nick, and two great-grandchildren, Henry and Oliver, were there in this man’s final years, he caringly immersed in his relationship with Mrs. Darlene Johnson with whom he spent the last period of his life, ever moved by her adoration and unwavering concern for his wellbeing.
Additionally, he spoke highly of his close friends, delighted with these relationships—”The Great Bob,” “Atlee”, Don Pankewicz, Mike Johns, Joel William Arvilla and others—persons to whom he regularly turned to solve the problems of the day and world!
His several cats (especially Francis, Golden, Radio) and three dogs (Mary, Sissy, Carlos) were always at his side.
He dreamed endlessly, even as medical malady intensified over the last many months of his life, which necessitated his stepping back permanently from horse racing but never from hope, itself! He was eternally thrilled with photography, iconic movies, opera and more—charmed by the rise of every full moon and the resonance of his beautiful chimes, their melodic ring encompassing the breadth of his land and echoing his own infinite vitality! His exterior demeanor was that of a “fireball” as described by his daughter after his death, his interior warmth more akin to a bubbling array of gleeful giggles and jubilant ebullience—especially when at home with those he loved most dearly and deeply!
Vince Gatto, himself, like his Red Duke Farm, remained timeless in his presence here on earth. Memories of this uniquely vibrant and creative man will surely and forever fill the hearts of all those who truly knew him.
