John H. (Papa) Gatturna, 87, of Whitman, died March 20th at home, surrounded by his family, after a period of failing health. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth (Drew) Gatturna.
John was born in Boston, son of the late John and Frances (Kent) Gatturna.
He has been a resident of Whitman for over 50 years. He was a veteran of the United States Army, during WWII.
John worked at the Charlestown shipyard for over 30 years, as the go to man for the machinists.
He enjoyed crossword puzzles, loved all sports and watching his children and grandchildren playing sports.
He is survived by his children, Noreen DeChambeau and her husband Fred, Joan Mesolella and her husband Gerry all of East Bridgewater, Diane Leurini and her husband Steve of Whitman, Carol Kannaly of Rhode Island, Ann Marie Sturge of Halifax and John Gatturna of Whitman, brother of Eileen Gatturna of Hyde Park and Janet Collins of Dedham; also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Robert Gatturna, Anna Morris and his two grandchildren, Matthew and Michael Gatturna.
His services will be held on Wednesday, March 24th at 10:00AM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel Plymouth Street (Rt. 58 at the rotary) Whitman, burial will follow in the St. James Cemetery Whitman. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 23rd from 4:00-8:00 PM. Donations in his name may be made to the Whitman Senior Center, 16 Hayden Ave., Whitman, MA. 02382 or the Whitman Food Pantry C/O Holy Ghost Church, 518 Washington St. Whitman, MA 02382.