Gilbert Morantte, 80, died Oct. 15, 2009 in Depoe Bay, Ore.

He was born Aug. 5, 1929 to Frank and Lucia Morantte in Los Angeles. He graduated from Sweet Water High School in National City, where he was a letter-winning tennis player.

He served in the U.S. Army as a corporal during the Korean War.

On Feb. 14, 1953, he married Betty Ruth Bostwick-Shaw. The two went on to have three children, Randy, David and Esther.

He started his career in the furniture-making business. He later became a manufacturing representative for an electrical service company for more than 28 years.

He earned the rank of master mason and served as an assistant scoutmaster for four years. He was known for out hiking his troop, including his sons.

He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. Whenever he went out fishing, he would always bring home a fresh catch for dinner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lucia Morantte.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty Ruth Morantte; sons, Randy James Morantte and David Mark Morantte; daughter Esther Ruth Morantte; grandchildren, Michael A., Joann M., Mark A., Jason M., Kristin M., Nolan R., Daniel J., Connell T.; and great-granddaughter, Kilee M.

A memorial service and reception will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Bateman Funeral Home, 915 Yaquina Heights Drive in Newport. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

An online guestbook is available at www.batemanfuneralhome.net. Bateman Funeral Home in Newport is handling arrangements.