Obituary
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Joseph M. Gaito, of Levittown, New York, at age 82 on March 8, 2025.
Joseph was born on October 7, 1942 in Mount Vernon, NY, to Samuel and Mary Gaito (Moccio). He was the oldest of four siblings. Near their Elm Street home lived numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, from the extended Gaito and Moccio clans.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, from SUNY Buffalo. Soon after, he began his career as an engineer at the Grumman Corporation in Bethpage, NY, where he worked on the design of the Navy’s F-14 Tomcat. There, Joseph met the love of his life, Diane Klingelhoefer, his wife of 57 years. They were married on September 29, 1968 at St. Martin of Tours in Bethpage.
The young couple soon moved to Levittown, NY, their home of over 50 years, and the base for countless family celebrations. It was there they raised their family of Joseph Jr., Christine, Robert, and Stephanie, along with numerous cats, hamsters and birds. The lively Center Lane house was full of food, friends, music, and spirited conversation.
Joseph continued to work as an engineer in the defense industry into his late-70s, the last 30-plus years at East-West Industries on Long Island. There, he was the head of engineering and oversaw the design of aircraft components, earning several patents along the way.
As a couple, Joseph and Diane enjoyed attending Broadway musicals, movies and concerts. He was especially fond of westerns and police dramas. He was most happy in his role as a family man- husband, brother, Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle Joe. Countless joyful birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and graduations were spent at the Gaito home. We look back fondly on many road trips and visits to family. Joseph was an avid sports fan, and probably holds the record for most Little League games attended. His family meant everything to him, showing ceaseless devotion to those who mattered most to him.
