Michele Vincent Gatti Jr.

Michele Vincent Gatti Jr. graduated to legend status on December 4, 2024 surrounded by his family. Our beloved papa, husband, father, uncle, and friend was born in Dawson, New Mexico on October 7, 1947 to Michele and Jennie Gatti.

Mike made quite the amazing life from the hard hand he was delt as a child. His mother died when he was just three years old and his dad died when he was 20 years old. In spite of these hardships, Mike rolled up his sleeves and went to work making an amazing life. He went to trade school in Denver, Colorado where he earned his journeyman mechanic certification and continued his education through a Doctor of Motors certificate. With this valuable education, he went on to work for Kennecott Copper Corp in Ruth, Nevada as a diesel mechanic. When the mine there closed, he moved his family to Salt Lake City to work for Kennecott. This is where he would spend the rest of his life.

If you knew Mike, you would know that he lived for his family. Nothing else even came close to mattering. He married Judi Anheluk on April 19, 1969. Soon after, they had their three children – Michele, Mike, and David. Throughout his working career, it was not uncommon for Mike to put in 6 or 7 sixteen-hour days per week at Kennecott. Regardless of the time he spent at work, he always made time to coach football, rebuild old cars, and take his kids sledding. We always knew that if we ever needed anything, dad would make sure it happened. If there were a hall of fame for fathers and husbands, he would be a first ballot selection.

Mike is survived by his wife Judi, his daughter Michele Gatti, his son Mike Gatti, and his son David Gatti (Brooke Gatti). He is also survived by his grandchildren Matt (Kyli), Miranda (Colton), Mikey, Hunter, Noah, Grace, and Elias who all lovingly refer to him as “Papa.” He is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Roman, Sawyer, Copeland, Sammy, Remmington, and Emilia. He was proceeded in death by his dad Michele, his mother Jennie, his brothers Bill and John, and his sister Betty.

Funeral services will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens on December 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM. A viewing will be held immediately prior from 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM. Following the funeral, immediate family and close family friends are invited to attend the graveside at the cemetery attached to Larkin Sunset Gardens.  

The Gatti family would like to extend a giant thank you to the wonderful people at the Huntsman Cancer Institute – specifically his nurse Tami. We would also like to thank the countless people who have comforted us and will continue to help us recover from the loss of such an amazing man. Our goal as a family is to carry on the amazing legacy he has left in the hearts of all the people he touched.