Obituary of Anthony Gatto, Sr.

Anthony Gatto, 94, of Akron, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on February 13, 2021. He was the proud owner and president of Apex Electric Supply Company, Akron, Ohio, started in 1968. Until the very day of his death, he was actively involved in the day-to-day operations, coming into Apex every day, which became his real home. He had a great deal of passion in everything he did. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He grew up in Cleveland's "Little Italy" and was very proud of his Italian heritage and culture. He was a member of the Italian American Businessman's Club in Akron for over 50 years, past president, and for many years chairperson for Viva La Panza's annual event. He also supported St. Anthony Church and the Interval Brotherhood Home. He was thoughtful, kind, humble, generous, hard-working and had unmatched integrity. Wherever he went, he was loved by all. He was a US Army veteran, stationed in Germany during World War II. In his earlier days, he was a surveyor, instrumental in the architectural design and layout of Van Aken and Southgate in Cleveland Ohio. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and an inventive mind. Over the last year, he had been working on a cooking device invention that he had said was not quite ready to be patented. He loved to travel and for five years participated and supported in the Frank Sinatra Pebble Beach Golf Classic. He loved gardening and had a well plotted out garden behind his business. He often shared his harvest and was especially proud of his figs. His hobbies were golfing, gardening, cooking, reading, and spending time with his friends and family. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Domenica (Camarda) Gatto, wife Patricia (Torregrossa) Gatto and siblings, Vincent, Joseph, Lou and Carmella. He is survived by his beloved companion Marylou Silvers, his daughters; Cynthia Spanos, Susan Palshook (Rick), Vivian Genter (Brian); sons, Tony (Teresa) (Shelly Abraham), Paul (Debbie); grandchildren, David Lupardus (Toni), Angela Lupardus, Anthony Gatto (Lisa), Nina, Nick, Melissa, Robert (Erin), Matthew Gatto, John, Dominic Palshook (Jocelyn), Jamie Keesee (Charlie), Kevin Genter (Heather); 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Due to the Covid pandemic, a private Mass at Holy Family Church (Stow) and entombment at Rose Hill Cemetery (Fairlawn) with the immediate family will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 11:30 AM. Live stream the services at www.holyfamilystow.org. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Anthony Gatto to the Akron Foodbank www.akroncantonfoodbank.org/, 350 Opportunity Pkwy, Akron 44307. Condolences may be left, and Mr. Gatto's video tribute will be available to be seen at redmonfuneralhome.com.