Honoree Thomas Gatto

Thomas Gatto was born on June 8, 1927 to Sicilian immigrants. He was raised in the lower east side of New York.

Sadly, at age 8 his mom passed away, leaving behind nine children. The four youngest, including Thomas were sent to an orphanage until their older sister turned 16 and was able to care for them.

Surviving a year in the orphanage and the depression, Thomas decided to join the Navy at age 17 in an attempt to better his life, and serve his country. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended college on the G.I. bill and earned his degree as an architectural draftsman.

He married his wife, Dorothy in 1950 and together they raised six children.

Thomas was successful as an architectural draftsman, and in 1962 he designed and had built their home in Southampton.

During his retirement years, Thomas enjoyed marching in the annual Southampton Fourth of July parade as a proud World War II veteran. Thomas passed away on July 2, 2017.