A walking trail at River Islands at Lathrop  is being named in honor of Bennie and Joyce Gatto on Thursday, May 12, at 4 p.m.

The ribbon cutting ceremonies take place on the levee above the Islanders Field  at 1501 River Islands Parkway.

 Bennie and Joyce Gatto, have given more than 70 years of service to the community.

They have been pillars of the Lathrop Manteca area, both as volunteers and as civil servants.

Both have been inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame for their work.  

Bennie Gatto’s volunteer work began in the 1950s when he helped develop a central water system in Lathrop.

He also served as a volunteer firefighter for 22 years in Lathrop-Manteca Fire Department. Later in life, Bennie served two terms as the mayor of Lathrop, as well as eight years as a city councilman.

 He then spent 13 years on the Planning Commission before retiring.

Bennie gave back to the students of Lathrop by establishing the Fast Union High School Athletic Boosters Club in 1970, serving as an active member for 31 years.

Joyce, has given tirelessly to the arts throughout Lathrop. Her own artistic endeavors began in 1954 after close friend and employer, Vera Walquist, passed away from breast cancer.

 Joyce was enrolled at the Manteca Adult School for painting and was inspired to paint a portrait of her vibrant friend. Thes painting was featured in her one-woman show held at City Hall in 2013.

In 1994 while Bennie served as mayor, Joyce established “Lathrop Mayor’s Art Show,” which became an annual event. The art show has gone on to inspire countless artists. She also established a teen art show to help local students develop their crafts. The Joyce Gatto Gallery, located at City Hall, is named in her honor.   

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com