[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17967]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRESSIONAL RECORD HONORING JOSEPH A. GATTO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANICE HAHN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2013

  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and 
legacy of Joseph Anthony Gatto, a tireless educator and community 
artist who passed away, at the age of 78.
  Born in Pueblo, Colorado on December 22, 1943, Joseph soon came to 
call California his home as World War II provided a large migration of 
workers to settle in the West Coast. Officially settling in East 
Hollywood, Joseph graduated from Fairfax High School where he excelled 
both academically and athletically. After turning 18 years of age, 
Joseph enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed at 
Fort Lewis in Washington. Upon completion of his service to the 
military, Joseph returned to Los Angeles and graduated from California 
State University, Los Angeles and continued his education earning a 
Master's from Cal State LA and another Master's from Pepperdine 
University becoming the first in his family to graduate from college.
  During his career he worked multiple jobs tirelessly as he was not 
only an educator in high schools during the day, having never missed a 
day of work during his 47 years, he also was a University professor on 
the weekends at Cal State LA and California State University 
Northridge. All a while serving as an assistant to his brother a 
concession manager at Dodger Stadium. In 1968, Joseph met his wife with 
whom he had three wonderful children; Nicole, Michael--a California 
Assemblyman, and my friend, Marianna, each of whom went on to do great 
things in their own right.
  Joseph was awarded the ``Bravo Award'' as California Arts Teacher of 
the Year, in 1986. He was also honored consecutively at the White House 
by former President Ronald Reagan in 1988 and again in 1989 by former 
President George H.W. Bush. Following his success, he was honored yet 
again in 1990 as the California and Pacific Region Art Educator of the 
year. Joseph wrote many books throughout his life, many being used as 
classroom textbooks from Canada to Texas.
  He will be remembered as a father, friend, and as an outstanding 
educator in his community. He will be missed by many.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members of the House to join me in a moment of 
silence to commemorate the memory of Joseph Anthony Gatto.

                          ____________________