Rudolf “Capt. Easy” Gatti, 82, died May 9, 2020 of end stage renal disease and diabetes under the compassionate care of FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Dr. Christine Gatti of Whispering Pines, NC, daughters Regina Gatti Fogle and husband Cliff of New York, NY, and Dr. Josie Gatti Schafer and husband Jeff of Omaha, NE, and two sons William Berggren and wife Heidi of Apex, NC and John Berggren and wife Claire of Pinehurst, NC.
He is also survived by his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Rex Rudy Schafer, Liv Anne Schafer, Liza Christine Gatti-Fogle, Mathew Berggren, Samantha Berggren, Zachary Berggren, Toma Schneider, Raquel Schneider, Katie Berggren O’Connor and Great Grandson Cole O’Connor.
He is preceded in death by his three brothers Raymond, Ronald, and Richard Gatti, and leaves behind two sister-in-laws, Vanda and Ida, and many nieces and nephews.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Frank and Josephine Gatti, Rudy was the Chef and Owner of the legendary Lido Restaurant of Staten Island, NY. With a history spanning 48 years, it was the longest family owned restaurant on the Island. Famous in its heyday, the Lido fed numerous movie stars and was frequented by lawyers and judges working in the St. George/Tompkinsville area.
His dream was to live on a lake in North Carolina, a dream fulfilled in 1996 when the family relocated to Whispering Pines where he charmed all the girl’s school friends with his famous grilled cheese sandwiches. He was also regarded for his shrimp scampi, liver pate, marinara sauce, Swedish pancakes, the list goes on and on.
His favorite things included home improvement projects, boating, fishing, cracking jokes, a good pun, playing piano, entertaining family and friends, and of course cooking.
You could ask him about any topic and he could relay many an obscure fact. He was creative, an ingenious problem solver, endlessly patient and could spell any word. He loved animals and enjoyed classic country music; his favorites were Eddy Arnold and Web Pierce.
As a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Rudy sometimes cooked for large fundraisers. He also served in the Army for two years in the 1950s.
Above all else, he wanted everyone to “just be happy.”
The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Deucher, Dr. David Cowherd, Dr. Paul Vieta, Dr. Matthew Reinhardt, the First Health Wound Care Clinic, Janet Thrower, RN of Davita Dialysis and the staffs and nurses of the above, too numerous to mention, with whom he enjoyed visiting. He was assisted at home by his two incredibly devoted dialysis care partners Amanda Hill and Rachel Wilson.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
