Mario Gatti, age 85, of Millcreek, passed away Saturday, July 17, 2010 at St. Vincent Health Center. Born May 29, 1925 in Bellaire, Ohio he was the son of the late Giulio and Ersilia Bernardi Gatti.

He was a World War II veteran serving our country in Army Air Corps. In the armed services he was a member of the Yankee Doodlers who formed to entertain the troops. Mario then graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Accounting and Finance. He then worked in the trucking industry for over 38 years retiring in 1990 as the Vice President of Finance for Lyons Transportation Lines, Inc.

Mario was an accomplished accordion player who’s orchestra played with many local groups. He enjoyed blues and jazz music. He was a member of Faith Reformed Church, VFW Post 470, and life member of the National Accounting Association.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Rena Bizzari and his nephews Ricky and Jimmie Bizzari.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Mary Teresa Bulsei Gatti; 2 daughters, Jan Gatti of Erie and Phyllis Skwara, husband David, of Edgewater, MD; 2 sons Mario J. Gatti, wife Dawn, and Michael J. Gatti both of Erie; 2 grandchildren, April Rice, husband Johnathon and Andrea Skwara; and a brother, Dario Gatti, wife JoAnn, of Prescott, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 2 to 5 & 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brugger Home for Funerals, LLP, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden Boulevard. Services will be held there on Thursday at 10 a.m. with Pastor Leon Ben-Ezra of Faith Reformed Church. Entombment will follow at Calvary Mausoleum.

Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Association of Erie County, 1128 State Street, Erie, PA 16501.