Richard S. Gatti

November 24, 1937 - May 4, 2018

Richard Gatti died peacefully at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, on May 4th, 2018 surrounded by his family. He was 80. Rich was married to his devoted wife Pam for 26 years and he lived a supremely happy life with her in Petaluma, CA. In addition to his wife, Rich is survived by his five children, Steven (Julie), David (Wendy), Jennifer (Eric), Scott (Stephanie), Jeff (Meghan) and seven grandchildren, Cassidy, Emily, Nicholas, Jacob, Chloe, Isabella, and Isaac, his brother, Edward Gatti, sister in law Judi Gatti, stepbrothers Chad Ertola (Beryl) and the late John Ertola (Shirley) and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Born and raised in San Francisco Rich, a third-generation nurseryman, carried on his family business, Gatti Nursery which started in 1929. Under his leadership, sacrifice and hard work Rich saw Gatti Nursery grow and relocate to Petaluma, with his sons Steven and David. Over his 60year career, Rich was so proud to be a grower of Azaleas and to be part of the San Francisco Flower Mart, where the friendships he had with his fellow flower growers, nurserymen and loyal customers meant so much to him. Rich’s great faith in God and his positive attitude helped him endure his health problems over the past ten years. He loved caring for his family, taking time to stay in touch with his many cousins, and cultivating lifelong friendships with love and generosity of both time and sought-after advice. Rich enjoyed his daily routine and the many people he came in touch with at St. James Church for morning Mass, Starbucks, The Redwood Club and Sonoma State Adult Education. On Saturdays he would enjoy watching his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Arizona Wildcats. A public viewing and private rosary was held at ParentSorensen Mortuary on May 9th and a Mass was said at St. James Catholic Church, Petaluma on Thursday May 10th. Rich was laid to rest at Cypress Cemetery, Petaluma. Rich’s family would like to thank the wonderful staffs at St Mary’s Hospital, San Francisco and Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. We would like to acknowledge Dr. Albert Lee, Dr. David M. Cohen and Dr. Eugene Groeger, for the superb care you gave to Rich. Special thank you to Rita Kelly RN, and to Marcy Amonette Cardiac Rehab. Donations in Memory of Richard may be made to the Carmelite Monastery Attention Sr. Anna Marie 530 Blackstone Dr. San Rafael, Ca 94803, 415 479-6872