Donald Lovejoy Gatti

WAYNE – Ninety years young, Donald Gatti passed away comfortably in his home Tuesday morning Nov. 11, 2025, with family by his side and a beautiful sunrise coloring the horizon.

Donald was born April 20, 1935, to loving parents John and Avis in Worcester, Mass. In his early years, his family moved to the beautiful lake town of Wayne, where he lived happily most of his life, except for a few years stationed overseas in the military and at the University of Hawaii attending graduate school.

He married the love of his life, Dorle Schellenberger, July 6, 1957. They raised two children, Mark and Linda Gatti.

Donald had a long career in social work, as a case worker and policy administration – a career enjoyed so much he worked until the age of 72. In the middle of this career in social work he also established and operated Beech Hill Apple Orchard and Dorle’s gift shop.

A kid at heart, Donald took his children and their friends to many Red Sox games, fishing and skiing adventures at Moosehead Lake and Sugarloaf Mountain. He spent endless hours with his children, grandchildren and their friends waterskiing, snorkeling and kayaking. A common refrain describing Don: “He was the best friend a kid could ever have”.

An extrovert and lover of people, he was a master storyteller with a great sense of humor, still entertaining people up to his last day.

He was an active member of the community, serving as a Wayne Selectman for over 10 years. He was a proud veteran, serving as a Specialist Fifth Class in the 8th Infantry Division.

He is survived by his wife, Dorle; son, Mark (Susan) and daughter, Linda Gatti-Fyler (Robert); grandchildren, Michela Lessard (Kevin), Collin Fyler (Ellie), Greg Gatti (Emma), and Jon Gatti; great-grandchildren, Emelia, Owen, Alayna.

A memorial service will be held at Wayne Community Church, in Wayne, Dec. 13, with a gathering of family and friends afterwards.

In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made to:

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org;

Pocasset Lake Association

Dorothy Jackson (Treasurer)

87 Pond Rd.

Wayne, ME 04284;

Wayne Community Church

P.O. Box 300

Wayne, ME 04284