Joseph Gotto Sr.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Joseph W. Gotto Sr., 92, of Perryville died Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, at the family home, where he was born April 20, 1924.

Surviving is his wife of 67 years, Bernice (Bohnert) Gotto. They were united in marriage Jan. 29, 1949. Bernice continues to live in Perryville.

Joseph was a 1942 graduate of St. Vincent High School in Perryville.

He entered the military during World War II. He was sent overseas and participated in three campaigns: Belgium, France and Germany.

He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, two Bronze Stars, Three Combat Stars and the Purple Heart. Serving his country was truly one of his greatest honors.

Upon returning home, he was a charter member of the National Guard, achieving rank of first lieutenant.

He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Perryville, Veterans of Foreign War Post 4282 and the American Legion Post 133.

He was a heavy-equipment operator. In addition, he farmed and raised black Angus cattle. He was an avid sports fan, spending a great amount of time attending his family's sporting events and always being their No. 1 fan. His greatest joy was his love of family.

Along with his wife, he is survived by six sons and two daughters, Joseph Gotto Jr. of Perryville, Michael (Cindy) Gotto of Farmington, Missouri, William (Pam) Gotto of Arkansas, Mark (Debbie) Gotto Sr., Kathleen (Dennis) Schuessler and Steven Gotto, all of Perryville, Janice (Rick Shultz) of Milan, Tennessee, and Jeffrey (Connie) Gotto of Perryville; a sister, Catherine (Floyd) Greenwell; grandchildren, Sonya (Jim) Shaver, Stephanie (Scott) Bronenkant, Amy (David) De- Rousse, Myra Gotto and Crystal Brown, Lindsey (Mike) Dudek, Matthew Schuessler, Jessica (Tim) Suiter, Mark Gotto Jr. (fiance Becca), Will (Christina) Gotto, Jenna (Shane) Christisen, Joseph Shultz, Levi Gotto and Hannah Gotto; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Leon and John; and eight sisters, Lenora, Martha, Clara, Mary, Linda (Francis) Taylor, Genevieve (Jack) Vacarro, Rita (Tom) Kirn and Hilda.

Visitation will be held at Young and Sons Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Visitation will continue from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, with a rosary at 8:30 a.m.

He then will be taken to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for Mass at 10 a.m. Friday, with the Rev. Milton Ryan, C.M., officiating. Entombment will be in Mary Queen of Heaven Mausoleum at Mount Hope Cemetery. Military graveside honors will be provided by VFW Post 4282 and Delta Team.

Memorials are preferred to St. Vincent School.

Online condolences may be made at youngandsonsfuneral.com.