Rose Marie Gatto

June 27, 1931 — November 24, 2024

Rose Gatto

Service Details

Des Moines resident, Rose Gatto, surrounded by her family, passed away on November 24, 2024. Rose was born in Des Moines on June 27, 1931, to Mary (Gulino) and Anthony Genovese. Rose was a guiding light, kind, beautiful, caring, spiritual, a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She attended school early in her life but withdrew from school to help support her family after her father passed away.

One of the highlights of her life was meeting Joe Gatto, who migrated from Italy as an exchange student in 1952. They married on April 19, 1953. Soon after marrying, Joe had to return to Italy for several months before being approved to return permanently as a citizen of the United States. Their first son, David was born in 1955, followed by Daniel in 1958. They welcomed their youngest son, Joe, in 1967.

During the ‘70s and ‘80s, Rose worked at the Charcoal Room for lunches followed by Younkers in downtown Des Moines, which she enjoyed very much for several years. During the ‘90s, up until she was 88, Rose was proud to go to Baratta’s Restaurant every morning before dawn to clean the entire restaurant. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, and in 2016, she attended a game, walked on the field in Chicago, and enjoyed watching them win their World Series. She was a fabulous cook and loved spending time around the table with family enjoying her famous pasta and meatballs. Her pride and joy were raising her three sons and enjoying time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rose is survived by her “Boys”: David (Sharon), Daniel (Molly), and Joe (Ann); three granddaughters, Christina (Anthony) Albizo, Pamela (Cory) Day, and Maria (Mark) Taylor; two grandsons, Andrew (Jaden), and Jonathan Gatto; great-grandchildren, Isabella Gatto, Sofia Gatto, Maverick Day, Gianna, Gemma, and Franklin Taylor; and her beloved brother, Benny Genovese.

The family will be greeting friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m., on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road, Des Moines. Rose will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

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