On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, we received word that that our longtime friend and former Bond Clinic physician, Dr. Vincent Gatto passed away suddenly. In 2018, Dr. Gatto retired from his OBGYN practice of 34 years. During those years, he delivered countless babies as he cared for the women of this community and was involved in helping create a Bond Clinic legacy.
We ask that you join us in sending love and support to the Gatto family and his long-time colleagues during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed by all of us at the clinic and those patients he served. Please see the full obituary below.
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With heavy hearts and profound sadness, Dr. Vincent Gatto, a retired Obstetrician and Gynecologist who left an indelible mark on the lives of countless families, passed away in his home on July 24th. He leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of unwavering commitment to his patients and loved ones.
He was born on December 22, 1952 in Washington, D.C. to Vincent and Marie Gatto. After high school, he attended American University for undergrad, completed two years of medical school in L’Aquila, Italy, and then went on to graduate from The University of Maryland Medical School. After medical school, he attended Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio, and completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. In 1984, he joined the Bond Clinic in Winter Haven, where he practiced for 34 years. With a gentle demeanor and a reassuring smile, Dr. Gatto touched the lives of numerous expectant mothers, providing them with expert medical care and emotional support during the most significant moments of their lives. In 2018, Dr. Gatto retired from his practice and transitioned to Chief Medical Officer at Winter Haven Hospital until he fully retired in 2021.
Outside the realm of medicine, Vinny, as he was known to friends and family, had a great love of music. His weekends often consisted of playing keyboard in local bands throughout the Winter Haven area. He was a devoted family man. He shared an inseparable bond with his beloved wife of 31 years, Susan. They took great pride in being loving and supportive parents to their daughter, Lauren, and son, Michael. As a family, they enjoyed extensive traveling, scuba diving, boating, and spending time with family and friends. His children remember him as a constant source of strength and encouragement, instilling in them the values of kindness, hard work, and dedication to helping others.
His joy knew no bounds when he became “G” to his three grandchildren, Ava (8), Carter (6), and John Vincent (8 months). He showered his grandchildren with affection and created cherished memories that will live on in their hearts forever.
Dr. Gatto is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Lauren (Thomas) Hobson, son Michael (Taylor) Gatto, grandchildren Ava, Carter, and John Hobson, brother Anthony (Ginetta) Gatto, mother-in-law Juanelle Hurt, and many nieces and nephews. Though he may no longer be physically present, the impact of Dr. Gatto’s life will continue to resonate, and his memory will live on through the lives he enriched.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Dr. Vincent Gatto’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 at 2pm at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 2425 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moffitt Cancer Center, Winter Haven Hospital Foundation, or any charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent at www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.