John Michael Gatt

John Michael Gatt, of Gainesville, Virginia, was called home on October 9, 2023, with his family lovingly by his side, and surrounded in prayer by those who pray the 3:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet. In his 89 years, John showed those who had the privilege to know him how to live with grace, humor, humility, and most importantly, with love. To his family, he was a beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Pop Pop, and Great-Grandpa, who modeled what it means to be a profoundly decent human being. To many in the community, he was an inspiring role model, trusted advisor, storyteller, coach, cheerleader, prayer warrior and loyal friend. His sincerity, humor, approachability, generosity and thoughtfulness brought joy and peace to so many. Born March 18, 1934, to John and Estelle, John grew up in Detroit, Michigan with his siblings, Connie, Joan, Shirley and Mike, before joining the US Air Force and beginning a military life that took him around the world. As a young airman, John met and married his “best friend and confidante”, Delores (Dodie), a military nurse and over the next several decades, they raised six children, who were the “love and joy” of their lives. His blessed life with Dodie lasted 40 years until her death from cancer, but she remained a great presence and influence in his life forever. The most important part of John’s life was his family, and he loved the closeness he saw between his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, saying “the keys to our family are love and respect”. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his children: Beth Gatt, Karen Doty (Robert), Theresa Yelmgren (Kevin), John Gatt (Kristi), Mary Davis (Raymond), and Samantha Wallace (Christopher). He is also survived by his devoted grandchildren, Tamara and Michael Yelmgren, Michelle and Matthew (Megan) Doty, Jeffrey, Alison and Rachel Davis, and Hailey Hickman (Jake), Carter (Alliyeh), Mitchell and Emerson Wallace, his great-grandchildren Nora, Jane, Drew, Camden, Elaina, Kyson, and Jackson, plus numerous nieces and nephews. John’s military career took him and his family to a variety of locations, with his favorite being Munich, Germany where he was the Deputy Commander of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). That assignment afforded the family great opportunities to travel Europe and provided him time to do another thing he loved – coach sports – including various youth and adult teams on base and even assisting with German-American semi-pro football and basketball teams. His last assignment brought him back to Virginia in 1983 where he worked until his military retirement as a Colonel with 30 years of service. He then began a 25-year career in the automotive industry, until his “second and final retirement”. With his work life behind him, his life could now be fully focused on his faith, family and service to others. John lived with purpose – to support others in any way he could, be it through prayer or actions - and he was so grateful for the community of people who cared about him and loved him. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Pierce Funeral Home 9609 Center St. Manassas, VA . A mass of Christian burial will be offered at 1:30 p.m., Monday, October 16, 2023, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8213 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville, VA 20155. Reception in Our Lady’s Hall at the church following the service. Private burial will occur at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the World Villages for Children 4200 Parliament Place, Suite 230, Lanham, MD 20706 or https://www.worldvillages.org/donate/. (Please specify “Medical Fund” in the comments section.)

John Michael Gatt

March 18, 1934 - October 9, 2023