Bennie Gatto, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, and pillar of the Lathrop community, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, surrounded by family.
While serving in the U.S. Navy, Bennie was stationed in Pearl City, Hawaii, where he married the love of his life, Joyce Brumley. The two shared 70 wonderful years together before Joyce's passing in 2023. They made their lifelong home in Lathrop, California, where Bennie dedicated himself to his family, his neighbors, and the growth of his hometown. After his military service, Bennie began a long career with Best Fertilizer, later known as Oxy Chemical and J.R. Simplot. Starting as a production operator, he worked his way up to Maintenance Supervisor and retired after 30 years of loyal service.
For over two decades, Bennie proudly served as a Volunteer Fireman for the Lathrop Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of Assistant Volunteer Fire Chief. His leadership extended well beyond the firehouse - he became deeply involved in shaping the city he loved. Bennie served as Mayor, Vice Mayor, and City Council Member, playing a key role in the early development of Lathrop. He also served on the Planning Commission and Water District Board, helping lay the foundation for the thriving community seen today.
Bennie's civic involvement stretched across multiple organizations. He led the Oxy Federal Credit Union Board of Directors for 10 years, served as President of the East Union Athletic Boosters and the Lathrop Firemen's Club, and was part of the Manteca Metropolitan Recreation Commission. He was also an active member of the Lathrop Chamber of Commerce, Amvets, and Disabled American Veterans.
In recognition of his lifelong commitment, Bennie was inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame, and an 18 mile uninterrupted tail along the delta waterways at River Islands was named in honor of him and Joyce "Bennie and Joyce Gatto Historic Trail; a lasting tribute to their service and love for their community. He also supported the Lathrop Senior Center and was active in the Veterans Memorial Project, continuing to serve others well into his later years. After retirement, Bennie enjoyed golfing, fishing, traveling, and spending time with family. Many locals will remember him fondly as the train driver at Dell'Osso Family Farms, a joyful role that reflected his kind spirit and community pride.
He is survived by his son Jim Gatto - daughter-in-law Sandy Gatto and son-in-law David Khinoo and ; grandchildren; Clint Faria (Rochelle), Paul Faria, Jimmy Gatto (Kacy), and Vanessa Williams (Shane); great-grandchildren Jade, Ava, Beni, Eve, Parker, Elle, Jace, and Rozlyn; and one great-great-grandchild Monroe. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce, and daughter Karen Khinoo and his eight siblings, as the last surviving of the nine Gatto children.
Bennie's life was one of service, integrity, and love for his family, his community, and his city. His legacy will forever live on in the people and places of Lathrop, a community he helped build and cherished to the very end.
P.L. Fry and Son is honored to be serving the Gatto family. A Celebration of Life will be on Monday, November 17, 2025 at
10:00 a.m. at The Home Church, 17261 S. Manthey Rd., Lathrop, Ca. followed by a burial at East Union Cemetery, 1035 N. Union Rd., Manteca, Ca. For direct condolences to the family visit www..plfryandson.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to your favorite local charity.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
