Carol Gatza

GATZA, Carol Easton - age 80, of Clearwater, FL, formerly Fenton, died November 24, 2021. A memorial Mass is being held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Fenton, at 1:00pm January 29, 2022, with visitation at 12:00 noon, prior to the Mass. Mass will be celebrated by lifetime friend and advisor, Father David Harvey. ( A live stream of the service will be available on Carol's obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com). Contributions may be made to St. Cecilia Society, Flint http://www.stceciliaflint.org Carol was born March 6, 1941 in Fort Sheridan, IL, the daughter of Colonel William G. and Giovanna (Gambacorta) Easton. She was a 1958 graduate of Falls Church High School in Falls Church, VA. She went on to attend Catholic University, in Washington DC, as a music major. She married James H. Gatza on September 23, 1961; he preceded her in death on October 17, 1998. As a child, Carol was trained as a classical pianist and throughout her life performed on stages across the US and internationally. She was a lifelong opera enthusiast and aficionado, and was an active and beloved member of numerous musical organizations both professionally and as a member of the community. Some of her favorites included the St. Cecilia Society (Flint Institute of Music), The New Vic Supper Theater Company, Carman Youth Chorale (CYC), Flint Arts Chorale and Flint Festival Chorus under the direction of C. Bruce Stevenson. With the Flint Festival Chorus, Carol performed in concerts at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, NYC. Carol was also an enthusiastic and valued choral member and accompanist with the music programs of St John’s, where she and the Gatza family were parishioners, and, St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Fenton. Carol enjoyed a decades-long career working with the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office and later the Genesee County Corporation Council in Flint. When she wasn’t bringing joy through her music, winning radio quiz shows with her encyclopedic knowledge or being rescued by her family from her inimitable and hilarious escapades; Carol enjoyed spending time with her adult children and grandchildren and her myriad brothers, sisters, brothers and sisters-in-law and many friends. Surviving are: children, Katherine Gatza Davis, James (Julie) Gatza, Michael Gatza, and Margaret Gatza; grandchildren, Andrew, Brittany, William and Sally. She was preceded in death by her husband, James, Parents Col William G and Giovanna Gambacorta Easton, brothers John and Michael Easton and grandson, Henry Davis. Flowers can be sent to St John’s Church between 8:30-Noon on the day of the Mass. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.