Kekoo Gatta Has Sadly Passed Away: Kekoo Gatta, a well-known custom home builder and beloved community figure in Niagara-on-the-Lake, tragically passed away on Tuesday night, September 3, 2024, after going for a swim in the Niagara River. Gatta, 60, was the founder and owner of Gatta Homes, a luxury home development company that shaped the housing landscape of the region for over three decades.
Obituary: Kekoo Gatta, Beloved Founder of Gatta Homes and Community Leader
The tragic event occurred near Gatta’s docked boat at the mouth of the Niagara River. After he failed to return home and remained out of contact for an extended period, his family grew concerned and alerted the authorities.
According to Constable Phil Gavin of the Niagara Regional Police, officers were called to the scene late Tuesday night. Emergency responders from Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines fire departments, as well as the Niagara police and the Canadian Coast Guard, quickly initiated a search effort.
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The search concluded when Gatta’s body was recovered by the police marine unit at around 11:20 p.m., approximately two hours after the search began. He was found about 25 to 30 feet from where he was last seen. While police have not officially released his name, Gatta’s family confirmed his passing early Wednesday morning. Authorities do not suspect foul play.
Founder of Gatta Homes: A Lasting Legacy
Kekoo Gatta was a renowned figure in the home-building industry, having founded Gatta Homes over 30 years ago. His company was a leading force in luxury home development in the Niagara region, contributing significantly to the growth and beauty of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Known for his attention to detail and commitment to quality, Gatta earned a stellar reputation for his work, helping to shape the local housing market with his custom homes.
His passing is a major loss not only to the construction industry but also to the local community, which he served for many years. Gatta’s contributions extended beyond business; he was admired for his dedication to the town he called home.
In addition to his success as a builder, Gatta was a passionate advocate for wrestling, serving as a coach for the Brock University junior wrestling team. Wrestling played a significant role in his life, helping him overcome a difficult childhood. In a 2022 interview with The Lake Report, Gatta reflected on how wrestling provided him with the discipline, resilience, and mentorship that shaped his life.
Growing up in a low-income household, Gatta credited the sport and his high school wrestling coach, Tom Sills, for providing the support he needed during tough times. He also trained under former Olympic wrestler Richard Deschatelets Sr. in high school, an experience that profoundly influenced his approach to life and work.
Gatta’s passion for wrestling was evident in his coaching. He passed on the lessons he learned through the sport to the younger generation, teaching discipline, hard work, and perseverance. His love for wrestling was also shared with his children—Zubin, Cyrus, and Farrantina—all of whom became competitive wrestlers.
Kekoo Gatta’s passing leaves a void in the Niagara region, both in the construction and wrestling communities. He was more than just a successful builder; he was a mentor, advocate, and beloved figure who dedicated his life to his craft and his community. His influence and legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him, both through the homes he built and the lives he touched through wrestling.
Gatta is survived by his three children, who have inherited their father’s love for the sport and his passion for excellence. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, discipline, and community involvement.
Honoring Kekoo Gatta’s Legacy
As the Niagara-on-the-Lake community mourns the loss of a beloved leader, tributes continue to pour in, reflecting the far-reaching impact of Gatta’s life. His contributions to home building, his passion for wrestling, and his generosity will be remembered for years to come.
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