Officer Michael A. Gatto

BRAIDWOOD—Officer Michael “Mike” A. Gatto, 65, of Braidwood, IL, passed away Jan. 12, 2018.  He was born in Chicago on April 29, 1952 and grew up in Crystal Lake, IL.  
Officer Gatto dedicated his life to public service.  Mike began his career as a sheriff's deputy with the McHenry County Sheriff's Department where he served for four years.  He then took a position with the Stateville Correctional Center serving for nine years as an internal investigator. In October of 1992, Officer Gatto joined the Braidwood Police Department and ended his watch with 25 years of service.
Mike was an adventurous overseas traveler visiting countries such as England, Spain, France, Germany and Italy, traveling often with his best friend, Bob Flynn.  Mike enjoyed a close relationship with his family, especially his sister, Julie, and spending his free time with his friends and his dog, Zoey.      He is survived by his brother, James Paul Gatto, of Crystal Lake, IL and sister, Jane Gatto, of Orlando, FL.  
Mike joins his father, James Phillip Gatto; mother, Mary Ann Gatto and sister, Julie Gatto in eternal rest.
Services will be held at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 with visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. with a memorial ceremony to start at 7 p.m.  
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Top Dogg K9 Foundation, www.TopdoggK9.org supporting pets for veterans.  
For more information and to visit his online guestbook, log onto www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find their Facebook page at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.