Mauro Gattini

Mauro "Marty" Gattini passed away peacefully at his home on May 25, 2018. He was born March 27, 1939 in Mogadishu, Somalia to Italo and Angela Gattini. Mauro loved life and adventure. He grew up in Italy and Africa, spending time on a family banana plantation in Somalia. He entertained family and friends with stories of life growing up in Africa.
Mauro was proud to have served his country in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper. He studied hard helmet deep sea diving in Oakland, California.

He married the love of his life, Valerie, on September 16, 1966. Married life found him committed to his wife and family where he was very involved in raising his children, coaching soccer and baseball. The family became totally involved in swimming primarily at the Little Rock Racquet Club, where lifelong friendships developed and wonderful memories of meet travels were made.

The love of the ocean brought Marty and his family to Navarre Beach, Florida every year. After retiring, he and his wife would spend October in their favorite spot, many times being joined by their children and their spouses, grandchildren and friends. They moved to Arkansas from Connecticut in 1970. He was employed by Remington Arms and then Maybelline, from which he retired in 2000 after 25 years of service.

Mauro enjoyed life, being with family and friends and was passionate about cooking, especially Italian food. He could always be found in the kitchen whipping up foods reminiscent of those made by his mother in Italy.

In addition to his parents, Mauro is preceded in death by his brother, Giorgio Gattini. He is survived by his wife; children, Paul Gattini (Estelle) of Derbyshire, England, Donna Bryant (Jeff) of Cleveland, TN, Eric Gattini (Lilly) of Temple, TX, Sandra Gattini of Bunn, NC and Jennifer Holliday (Dan) of North Little Rock; 13 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brothers, Paolo and Roberto; and sister Maria Teresa Gattini.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00, followed by a Rosary at the Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St. Burial will be at Rest Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to AR Hospice, V.A. or ALS. Online obit and guest registry at www.SmithFamilyCares.com