Anthony J Gatto Jr.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Anthony J. Gatto Jr., 70, of South Beach, a retired MTA Bridges and Tunnels officer, Vietnam veteran and devoted family man who loved doo-wop music, died Sunday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

The lifelong Staten Islander was born and raised in Tompkinsville. In 1972, he settled in South Beach.

Mr. Gatto served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. A member of the 1st Battalion, he was awarded the Purple Heart.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the MTA Police Benevolent Association.

Mr. Gatto had a 25-year career as a police officer with MTA Bridges and Tunnels, formerly the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. He retired in 1995.

He loved to sing, especially doo-wop music and harmonies, and performed with "The Concepts," an a capella group, at the Borough President's Starlight Concert Series in 1996, 2002, 2005 and 2009.

Always willing to help others, Mr. Gatto was an exceptional person who loved taking care of his family and friends, family said.

He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, who he cherished.

Surviving are his wife of almost 50 years, the former Peggy Ann DeSalvo; his sons, Thomas, Anthony and Terry, and five grandchildren.

The funeral will be Friday from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Rosary R.C. Church, South Beach. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.