Roger Nicholas Gatti

ROGER N. GATTI

  On the morning of Saturday, August 12th, 2017, Roger Nicholas Gatti of Roaring Branch passed away quietly at The Gatehouse in Williamsport.   He was 74 years of age.   Born July 20th, 1943 in Mineola, NY, he was the son of Nicholas and Nora (Romuno) Gatti.  Roger served our country during the Vietnam War as part of the U. S. Air Force.  In civilian life he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Florida and a Master of Science degree from Bloomsburg University.   He served as a professor of communications at Nassau Community College, Queensboro  Community College and Hofstra University.   He was married to  the former Judy (Lewis) Penman  and they made their home in McNett Township, Roaring Branch.  Roger enjoyed the tranquility of country life.  He enjoyed vegetable farming as well as doing cumbersome tasks with his 1951 Case tractor.  Roger was an avid reader, but not merely for entertainment.  He read to gain knowledge and to study up on the latest gardening techniques, advances in science and to be well informed on world events.  One advancement in agriculture that fascinated him was hydroponic gardening, and at one point he even taught classes on the subject.  Roger  also liked to take to the air now and then flying non-motorized gliders, feeling free as a bird as he looked down at the beautiful countryside.  He was a teacher, not only in the classroom, but at many levels.  Nothing pleased him more than being able to impart knowledge and skills into others, especially his grandchildren.   He was the spirit of encouragement.     Roger was a man with a quiet, but friendly demeanor whose loyalty to his convictions drew the admiration of those who knew him best.  He was a loving and devoted husband and father who always saw to it that the necessary things in life were taken care of.  He attended St. John’s United Methodist Church in Grover,  where the warm Christian fellowship  drew him closer to the Lord.  Saturday morning the Lord took Roger’s hand and led him home.

  Roger is survived by his wife of 17 years, Judy, at home,  daughter Corine (& Frank) Santillo of Suffolk, VA,  sons Brian Gatti of Tel Aviv, Israel, Paul Gatti of Norfolk, VA,  stepsons Alan (& Sheri) Penman of Orlando, FL, Todd (& Jane) Penman of Linden, Pa., sister Sharon (& Tom) Lysasht of Floral park, NY, grandchildren Aria Santillo, Will (& Ashley) Penman, Andrew (& Christy) Penman, Melanie (& Bill) Luckett, Christopher Bowes, Erich (& Jennifer) Bowes, Samuel Penman, Katy Penman, niece Erin (& Allan) Grdovich,  several cousins and his beloved canine companion, Beau.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas & Nora Gatti.

     A celebration of Roger’s life will be held at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Grover,   11 AM  Thursday,  the 17th, with Pastor Jerry Schmidt officiating.   There will be no visitation before the service.  The family suggests that memorial contributions in Roger’s name be directed to St. John’ United Methodist Church, PO Box 313, Canton, Pa., 17724, or to the charity of one’s choice.

(morseandkleesefuneralhome.com)

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