Hamilton Blues Lovers: St. Catharines Drummer Glen Gratto Passes

Friday, September 3, 2021

St. Catharines Drummer Glen Gratto Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of St. Catharines drummer Glen Gratto. He passed away on August 31, 2021. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Here is Glen's obituary

Born in St Catharines April 8 1951 – August 31 2021
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news that the love of my life and best friend passed away peacefully in his sleep at home, as he wished.
Missing Glen more than ever is our daughter Missy (Lisa) & Jeff Phelps (affectionately known as “Phelpsman”). Grandfather “G Man” was the biggest fan of Luc, Nick, Carson, Bella & Walker Phelps.
He will be forever loved and missed by his sister Cory Bissell and her late husband Martin and their children Colin & Sarah, Devon & Casey.
Father of April Gratto-Gibbs (Nick), Jordan & Conner
Glen Gratto
Alex Gratto (Jessica)
Cassandra Gratto (Dalton), William & Alec
Loving son of the late Chester & Pearl Gratto, brother Larry and son-in-law Jeff Gibbs.
On February 9, 1964, Glen was mesmerized with Ringo Starr playing the drums on the Ed Sullivan show and announced “I can do that”. Glen played for The Kidds, Bull Rush, Madcats, Lee Aaron, Burnside Blues Band and Frank Soda just to name a few. You may have seen him in The Big Story of Small Potatoes with bandmates from the glory days.
Locally, Glen played with the Chris Anton Band and of course, The Glen Gratto Band.
Glen admired the musicians he played with, fondly reminisced, told stories and laughed about “the road”. He was a teacher and friend to many.
He loved Jazz, Afro/Cuban, Funk and Country music although “rock straight up” was his niche.
Garage rehearsals and Eller Stock are fond memories.
Glen was an avid, long suffering and forgiving fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He loved his Yankees just as much.
Hi sweet love “Pawco” will be missing his dad giving him sausage and eggs from the table and snuggling alongside him.
The “crows nest” will never be the same.
As per Glen’s wishes, there will be no service. Put on your favourite music – pour a drink and raise your glass to a life well lived.
Our family is grateful to Sally NP, RN’s Mychalina, Heather and Trevor, PSW Lindsay, Dr. Butera, Dr. Abonowara, Dr. J Roberts, Dr. Blewett and Dr. Lejnieks.
In lieu of flowers, if so desired, memorial donations may be made to The Lincoln County Humane Society.
To plant a tree in memory of Glen Gratto, please visit our Tribute Store.

Social Media Comments

Jim Casson (Mighty Duck Blues Band, Downchild)

He was an amazing drummer who performed in many Niagara bands, most notably The Mad Cats. He also recorded with Frank Soda and Lee Aaron. Glen was our first soundman when the band started at The Duck. A great guy, always with a smile and a fierce drummer. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Frank Soda

I remember when I came to Toronto in the mid 70's with Thor, drummer John Lechasseur (RIP), and Charlie Towers on bass. Glen was playing in a band called Bullrush, along with Brian Gagnon. They headlined a show in St. Catharines, which included Rush and Mahogany Rush. Later he played and recorded with the Madcats, who were on the same record label Quality Records, that I was on. For my 3rd album Saturday Night Getaway, I recruited Glen and Peter Crowley, with Michael Tilka producing. I toured extensively with Glen and Brian, Doug Raymond and Lorraine Morgan. I will always remember his smile and all the laughs we had..an excellent drummer and friend that I will dearly miss.