Fortunato (Nado) Gratta

It is with great sorrow that we annonce the passing of Mr. Fortunato (Nado) Gratta on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at the young age of 62 with his family by his side at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Left behind to mourn are his loving wife of 39 years Sylvia, his children Jenna (David) Drawbridge of Niagara Falls and Jason (Vanessa) Gratta of Thunder Bay as well as his grandchildren Katharine and Nathaniel Drawbridge.

Fortunato is predeceased by his father Francesco Gratta. He is survived by his mother Chiara Gratta of Richmond Hill and siblings Angelina (Antonio) Catricala of Richmond Hill, Domenic Gratta of Markham, Vicky Gratta of Richmond Hill and Frank (Sarah) Gratta of Unionville.  He will also be missed by his in-laws Russell and Eleanor Romanick, Darlene (Lorne) Blackshaw and Angela (Orest) Witiw all of Thunder Bay as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Fortunato was born in Gagliato, Italy and moved with his family to South Porcupine as a young boy.  He later moved to Thunder Bay where he met and married the love of his life Sylvia.  At age 16 he worked for the railway in South Porcupine and then went on to Beaver Lumber eventually managing the store in Manitouwadge. In 1977 he began work Northern Woods in Thunder Bay where he remained for 31 years until its closure.

His greatest joy was being with his family of whom he was so proud. Telling stories, laughing and reminising with his loving family in Thunder Bay and Southern Ontario brought him and those around him great joy. He enjoyed the outdoors taking long walks, fishing and hunting.

Funeral Services for the late Mr. Fortunato Gratta will be held on Saturday May 2, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Cross, 422 West Victoria Avenue with Father Andrija Petresin officiating. 

A private interment will follow at St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will take place on Friday, May 1, 2015 beginning at 6:00 p.m. with Prayers at 7:00 p.m. in the Church of the Holy Cross.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Children of Chernobyl-Thunder Bay Chapter would be greatly appreciated. 

Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.