Kenneth John Gatto

Kenneth John Gatto, 76, of Bloomingdale, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Mary (nee Rutkowski), to whom he was happily married for nearly 53 years, and his children, Christopher Gatto and his wife Elizabeth, and Teresa Panas and her husband Mark. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Ella, Liam, Lucy, and Raye, each of whom was an endless source of pride and joy for him.

Born in Hasbrouck Heights, Ken moved to Washington Township with his family as a young boy. Soon afterward, his mother, Marguerite, passed away—a tragedy he endured with the love and support of his father Anthony, sister Jean, and brother Ernest. After graduating from high school, Ken proudly served in the United States Army, traveling to Germany with the U.S. Transportation Command. Following his honorable discharge, he earned a bachelor’s degree from William Paterson College and enjoyed a career in business administration, including over 20 years as an operations manager with Konica Minolta in Wayne.

In his spare time, Ken enjoyed gardening, visiting the Jersey shore, listening to music and dancing with his wife, babysitting his grandchildren, and playing, coaching, and watching sports, particularly basketball and baseball. Above all else, Ken enjoyed spending time with his family, which was the north star of his life. His love and devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren were fierce and unwavering. He was also blessed to have the lifelong love and support of his sisters-in-law Patricia and Ann, brother-in-law Jim, nieces, nephews, and many other members of his extended family.

Ken had a generous heart and vivacious disposition. His warm and easy smile lit up every room he entered. His animated, comedic nature, including his quick wit, self-deprecating humor, and contagious laugh, lifted the mood of anyone in his orbit. The joy he brought to our lives and the many happy memories he gave us are gifts that will live on in our hearts forever.

Viewing hours will be Sunday, July 7th 2024, from 1pm - 5pm at The Morrison Etheridge Funeral Home Inc., 86 Bartholdi Ave., Butler, N.J.. A funeral will be held Sunday 4pm also at the funeral home, All other services will be private.