STELLARTON - R. Earl Gratto of the Northumberland Veteran's Wing in Pictou, formerly of Stellarton, passed away peacefully at the Veterans Wing in Pictou on January 1, 2011.
Born September 6, 1921, he was the son of the late Parker and Ethel (Coulson) Gratto and step-son of the late Percy McConnell.
Earl served as a fighter pilot in the Second World War from 1940 to 1945. Earl worked at the Power Board from 1945 to 1963 then he began his career at Pictou Regional Vocational School as an instructor and later he retired as principal in 1984.
Earl was a lifelong member of the RCAF Association and a member of Branch No.28 Royal Canadian Legion, Stellarton. Earl was very active in the town of Stellarton and served two terms as councillor.
Earl is survived by his wife of 66 years, the former June Ellis, New Glasgow; sons, Brent (Winnie) Gratto, Riverton; Stuart (Francine) Gratto, Pembroke, ON.; daughters, Fern (Stephen) Fitt, Stellarton; Marilyn Fraser, Stellarton; Marsha (Tom) Rorison, Riverton; grandchildren: Jennifer and Monique Gratto, Allen and Brian Gratto, Stephanie and Trevor Fitt, Brittany and Emily Fraser, Christopher and Jenna Rorison; great-grandchildren, Jessica and Katie Gratto and step-great-grandchildren, Michael and David Johnson and Katelyn Rog.
He was predeceased by his mother, father, step-father, and brother, Clarence.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Home Stellarton. Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in First Presbyterian Church, Stellarton with Rev. Charles McPherson officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Family flowers only. Donations in his memory may be made to Northumberland Veteran's Wing, Pictou. www.angusfuneralhomes.com