Norman "Geno" E. Ratto

Norman Eugene (aka Gene and Geno) Ratto of Gilbert, AZ passed away on November 4, 2015 at the age of 81 in the loving arms of his wife. Geno was born in San Mateo, CA to Atillio and Marian (Giannini) Ratto. He was raised on the family ranch in South San Francisco. Growing up he could be found at Orange Park playing ball when he was not in school. While in high school he excelled in baseball and basketball. In basketball he held a coveted high scoring record in the P.A.L. of the San Francisco Peninsula that held for several years. However, his first love was baseball. He served honorably in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict, all four years on the aircraft carrier "USS Oriskany". He kept in touch with 2 of his mates and enjoyed many reunions with them. He was an avid fan of the "Giants" and the "49ers" having lived most of his life in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Truckee (Lake Tahoe area) California. He enjoyed softball, golfing and bowling for many years. He retired from the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District as an Assistant Transportation Director due to kidney failure. While recuperating from a kidney transplant 22 years ago he crafted a railroad layout, built wooden boats and airplanes and bird houses. He was also a salt-water fish lover having had 3 tanks to admire and care for. After moving to Arizona he enjoyed traveling and bowling with his wife and the many great friends he met while bowling in a league. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his only brother, John. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gloria Acosta Ratto, son Gene (Tina) from Folsom, CA, daughters Marianne (Jeff) from Truckee, CA and Michelle (David) Black from Gilbert, AZ, 9 precious grandchildren whom he was very proud of; Marci, Vanessa, Tyson, Kaylee, Meredith, Chris, Tori, Andrew and Adam; and one adorable great-granddaughter Larissa, who called him "GG Pa", also his nephew Ron Ratto and nieces; Karen Adams, Cheryl Poretti, Kathy Benamati, and Annette Piombo. We love you and you will forever be in our hearts. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 10:00am at All Saints Roman Catholic Church, 1534 N. Recker Rd. Mesa, AZ.