FRANKFORT – Mr. Ronald V. Gatto, age 82, a lifelong Frankfort resident, passed away of natural causes on Monday morning, January 18, 2021at the Mohawk Valley Health Systems St. Luke’s Campus. Born on September 20, 1938, Ronald was the only child to the late Pasquale and Marjorie (Tucci) Gatto. His younger years were spent in Frankfort where he was a well-known star athlete and football player; even playing on Frankfort’s semi-pro teams. He also enlisted in the Army Reserves at the age of sixteen and completed his basic training at Fort Drum during high school. He was a graduate of Frankfort Central Schools with the Class of 1957. On December 17, 1957, Ron’s active service began with the United States Army. His total tenure in the service spanned eight years and he received his honorable discharge on November 29, 1963. He remained a proud veteran throughout his life and was a past member of the Frankfort American Legion. On September 3, 1960, Ron was united in marriage with the former Lucille Lazzaro at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church in Utica. Their marriage spanned over sixty years and was filled with a mutual respect and devotion to one another; Lucille cared for Ron in every way and was by his side right through his last hours on this earth. In 1963, Ron and Lucille established Ron’s Shell gas station on East Main Street in Frankfort. Throughout the years they also owned and operated R&L Mobil Station on West Main Street and in the 1980s built the garage that is still in existence today. Ron’s Service Station is one of Frankfort’s longest running and most successful businesses. Ron never truly retired from his work and was proud that his son, Donnie, followed in his footsteps. Ronnie was also a staple at the front doors and as a driver for the Enea Family Funeral Homes where he was employed for twenty years. He was an integral part of our funeral home family and will be dearly missed by us all. Ron’s love for sports began as a young man and carried with him throughout his life. He was one of the originators of the Frankfort Pop Warner football program and was a coach of not only football, but also American Legion and Little League baseball teams. As his sons and then grandchildren grew, he never missed an opportunity to be at one of their games or sporting events. He was a fan of the Syracuse Orange and the New York Yankees. Ron was not only dedicated to his family and his business, but to his community as well. He was a proud fifty-year member of the Frankfort Fire Department and served as Chief from 1986-1987. He was also a long standing member of the Herkimer County Fireman’s Association and served as President from 1996-1997. In 2018 he was the well-deserved recipient of their Excellence in Service Award. In his spare time, Ron was a collector of Lionel trains, as well as an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons and could often be found tending to his home and his yard. At one time he was a member of the St. Francis di Paola Society. He and Lucille have been longtime parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort. Ron is survived by his devoted wife, Lucille; his sons and daughter-in-law, Ronald J. Gatto and Donald P. and Alicia (Alsante) Gatto, all of Frankfort; his grandchildren, Danielle and Amanda Foster of Clinton, Ronald J. and Stephanie Gatto, Donald J. Gatto, and Markie Burr, all of Frankfort; and his four beloved great-grandchildren, Paityn, Jordan, Francesca “Frankie” and Montgomery. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Marguerite Dichiera of Frankfort; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and countless friends, customers and fellow firefighters, too numerous to mention. Aside from his parents, Ron was predeceased by many aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. Due to current health restrictions, Ron’s family will gather to bid their farewells in a private ceremony. Spring interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frankfort. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the Frankfort Fire Department, 158 South Litchfield Street, Frankfort, NY 13340. Envelopes can be obtained through the funeral home. Ron’s final wishes have been entrusted to his longtime friends, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, funeral directors of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.