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Francis M. Gatti

Francis Michael Gatti was born in Philadelphia on June 23, 1956.  He was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS or Lou Gehrig’s decease in May of 2016 and died on November 12, 2019.

Frank attended Pierce College as an undergraduate and College of Science and Textiles in Philadelphia where he graduated with a degree in accounting.

In 1980 he began working at the Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency, then the Lancaster County Court House and spent most of his professional career as the Chief Financial Officer for the Community Action Program of Lancaster County.

He was an avid Philadelphia Sports fan with his favorite team being the Philadelphia Phillies and enjoyed celebrating the 2008 World Series win by taking his daughter Frankie to the parade.  One of his great thrills since his ALS diagnosis was to witness the Philadelphia Eagles win their first Super Bowl championship.

In his spare time he participated in community events including assistant coach of the Ephrata High School Hockey team for over 10 years taking the team to 2 championships. He shared his favorite movie Slapshot with the team and they would often recite verbatim their favorite lines during practices.

Frank was also a member of the Akron Lions Club Lions club where he served as the “Grand High Exalted Mystic Ruler” or president, he also served as treasurer and committee chair for various events.  In 2017-2018 he was the recipient of the prestigious Melvin Jones Award.  Part of the Lions Club duties that Frank most enjoyed was providing monthly essay awards for winning entries to the children of Akron Elementary School.

Surviving beside his wife Carmen,  are three children, stepdaughter, Tiffany  (Weachter) wife of Matthew Dormond and mother of Nathan of Ardmore, stepdaughter Alicia (Weachter) wife of Kevin Healey of Philadelphia, and Francesca Gatti of Philadelphia, beloved mother Patricia Gatti (Dougherty), brother Lawrence (Larry)  husband of Christine of Holland, PA, sister Annette DiMichele and bother John both of Philadelphia; 6 nieces, 4 nephews and several grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Lawrence (Lardy) R. Gatti and his sister Kathryn (Kate) O’Connor.

In Lancaster county a mass and memorial service will be held at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, 320 Church Avenue, Ephrata, PA on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 10 AM. Immediately following the service a visitation and luncheon will be held in the Father Jackson Center attached to the church from 11 AM to 2 PM.

In Philadelphia a mass and memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 7056 Tulip Street, Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 11 AM.  Immediately following the service a visitation and luncheon will be held in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia at webpa.alsa.org or The Akron Lions Club at P.O. Box 64,Akron, Pa 17501 or Hospice and Community Care at hospiceandcommunitycare.org.
Cremation Services of Lancaster (717) 273-6283

 

18 Comments (Open | Close)

18 Comments To "Francis M. Gatti"

#1 Comment By Ronnette On November 16, 2019 @ 9:34 pm

John , extending my condolences to you and the family.

#2 Comment By Janine Massenburg On November 19, 2019 @ 2:25 pm

I am sincerely sorry for your loss.

Love,
Janine

#3 Comment By Gail Gehman On November 16, 2019 @ 10:20 pm

Dear Carman and family, I really don’t know the right words to say at a time like this, probably because there are no right words. But please know that Barry and I are here for you and we are praying for your family. Love you all, lots of hugs. Barry and Gail

#4 Comment By Crystal Jackson On November 17, 2019 @ 4:05 am

It was a pleasure to know you and your family. Prayers and thoughts go with your family in this time of sadness.
Crystal Jackson LPN

#5 Comment By Donna Miller On November 17, 2019 @ 7:03 am

Carmen, my thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Sending prayers of comfort to you all.

#6 Comment By Adrienne Friedman On November 17, 2019 @ 4:30 pm

Carmen,
I was so sorry to hear about Frank. I loved working with him – he taught me a great deal and was always so kind and patient with me. My thoughts are with you and your family.

#7 Comment By Deb Allman On November 17, 2019 @ 5:01 pm

Dear Carmen, I am so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. My heart aches for you and your family.Praying for comfort in the Lord for he will see you and your loved ones through this sad and difficult time.

#8 Comment By Kathleen (Kitty) Megnin Millay On November 17, 2019 @ 6:43 pm

Dear Carmen, Frankie, Ali, Tiffany, and all of Frank’s family,
So very sorry for your loss; also thankful to have been part of a team touched by Frank and his pleasant, personal, professional gifts long ago as a founding LDC Board of Directors member. May God and your happy memories bring each of you peace and comfort… ????❤️???? With love, Kitty

#9 Comment By Mary Schwaiger On November 17, 2019 @ 9:40 pm

Carmen – So sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. I’m so happy that Ron and I got to see you guys when we were in Lancaster. It was a great visit. Hang in there.
Mary – Ron Errett’s friend from Wisconsin

#10 Comment By Joe Harriger On November 19, 2019 @ 10:06 am

Carmen and family,

I’ve been blessed along the way to have met some terrific people, but simply put, Frank was a SPECIAL guy. I admired all of you for your steadfast loving support during Frank’s difficult times. Frank will always be my “Philly Special” and “That’s What I said.” Love Joe, Julie and Miles Harriger

#11 Comment By Joe Harriger On November 19, 2019 @ 10:08 am

Carmen and family,

I’ve been blessed along the way to have met some terrific people, but simply put, Frank was a SPECIAL guy. I admired all of you for your steadfast loving support during Frank’s difficult times. Frank will always be my “Philly Special” and “That’s What I said.” Love Joe, Julie and Miles Harriger

#12 Comment By Sylvia Ciliberto On November 19, 2019 @ 3:10 pm

Carmen and family,
So sorry to hear of Franks passing.
Sylvia (MELC)

#13 Comment By Ilona Seidel On November 19, 2019 @ 7:36 pm

Dear Carmen
I was do very sorry to read about your husband. I hope the memories of happy years together will bring you comfort today and all the days to come. With my deepest sympathies.

#14 Comment By Beth Anne Peroni On November 20, 2019 @ 8:26 am

Dear Carmen,
I was saddened to hear of your husbands passing. I know how devoted you were to him and his care. You and your family are in my prayers at this difficult time.

#15 Comment By Thomasine Washington On November 21, 2019 @ 12:16 pm

Dearest Carmen and Family,

I was saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Frank. He was a very special person and I am so fortunate that I had the opportunity to meet him. Know that I am sending prayers of comfort for you and your family. Please accept my deepest sympathies and find comfort in remembrances of your time together.

#16 Comment By Monique Simmons On November 22, 2019 @ 6:17 pm

Carmen,
I am sorry to hear about Frank. We worked together at CAP for many years. He guided me through many years of program budgets, with a sense of humor. But, my first memory of Frank was a number of us went to dinner before a board meeting at a local restaurant. Frank order spaghetti and meatballs. He “dumped” Parmesan cheese on top. I mean “dumped” I have and will continue to miss him at the Akron Lion’s stand.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Monique Simmons

#17 Comment By Cindy and David York On November 26, 2019 @ 2:21 pm

Dear Carmen,
We wanted to say how sorry we were when we heard about Frank. He went through a lot with that terrible disease, as did you as his caregiver. Family and friends around you in this time of grief can be comforting. I pray that you get through this with their care.

#18 Comment By Neshamah Maillard On December 1, 2019 @ 9:38 pm

Carmen and family,
I know you will miss Frank dearly. Always remember his smile. My condolences to you all.
Shommie