Joseph Gatautis,

JOSEPH GATAUTIS, JR. ATHOL-Joseph Gatautis, Jr., 85, of 334 South Main Street, died Tuesday in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, following an illness. He leaves his wife of over 55 years, Anne F. (Stanchis) Gatautis; three sons, Robert Gatautis of So. Royalston, Richard Gatautis, and Ronald Gatautis, all of Athol; 4 grandsons, Christopher, Timothy, Michael, and David; 4 granddaughters, Kelly, Margaret, Maria, and Jennifer; a sister, Jennie Poshkus of Athol; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers: Bronislaus Gatautis and Anthony Gatautis. He was born in Athol, Aug. 1, 1916, a son of Joseph and Veronica (Morkunaus) Gatautis, and was a lifelong resident of town. He attended Athol schools. Mr. Gatautis was employed at the former Union Twist Drill Company for 43 years before retirement. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, the American-Lithuanian Naturalization Club, and the North Worcester County Quabbin Anglers Association. An enthusiastic fisherman, he enjoyed fishing at the Quabbin Reservoir and striped bass fishing at the ocean. He also enjoyed bowling and sports, especially baseball and the Boston Red Sox. The funeral will be held Friday from the J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home, 137 Main Street, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 105 Main Street. Rev. Raymond P. Messier, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church Building Fund, 105 Main Street, Athol, 01331. To sign the online guestbook, visit the funeral home website at www.murphysfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });