Major Matthew J. Gatti was a first generation italian american, who lost his parents at the age of three. He was raised in a Catholic orphanage during the great depression. His desire to make something of himself led him to the streets of New York at the young age of eleven. He struggled delivering milk by horse and carriage and later living and working in a hat factory.
Being on his own at such a young age taught Mr. Gatti life lessons that molded and shaped his moral and physical being into a rock solid young man. Understanding the Italian American culture during the depression led Mr. Gatti into the United States Army at the age of seventeen. He become the U.S Army's South Pacific light weight boxing champion from 1933-1936.
After the Airforce was created Mr. Gatti was quickly promoted into the Air Force, and during World War II he become an officer leading bombing raids against the enemy. After the war ended Mr. Gatti would produce shows for the enlisted men throughout Europe and the United States.
During his busy military career he made time to marry and have two daughters. Life was not easy for a family in the military but Mr. Gatti spent all his extra time trying to make life for his family better than what he had. Being stationed in Italy, Germany, and France gave the Gatti family a great understanding of the Arts.
After he retired, he settled in California and founded (in 1963) the American Continental Circus and the Canadian International Circus. Later these two shows would become what today is Circus Gatti.
Major Gatti giving a speach to a local police association. (1970's)
A Giving Man
During his second career at running Circus Gatti. Major Gatti developed lasting relationships with sponsors, such as police organizations, Firefighters and Shriners. These relationships still carry on today after forty years of business.
Major Gatti also gave back to communities by giving tickets to underprivileged children and families. Many times during his career he would donate the circus to hospitals, military bases and even state penitentiaries. He would always lend a hand to the needy.
He was also known for his generosity by personally giving monies to support groups or to people individually at various times throughout his lifetime.
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