Michael Lloyd Ratto
May 8, 1946 - October 22, 2023
Michael L. Ratto died peacefully with his family surrounding him on October 22, 2023. Michael was born in Stockton, the oldest child of Lloyd W. and Marie A. Ratto. He played football for St. Mary’s High School and upon graduation he attended Delta College and then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly SLO. He entered the Marine Corps in December of 1969. He served in Okinawa and earned the rank of Captain. He separated from the Corps in May of 1974. He was married to Catherine A Dyer in July of 1974. He and Cathy raised 2 children, Elizabeth and James. He was a beloved 4-H leader in San Joaquin County for over 30 years. He was also a Hunter Safety Instructor for the State of California for over 35 years. He retired from the Almond Board of California in 2012. Mike was affectionately known as The Almond Cop on the job. At home he was Dad and in 2011 he became Grandpa. Throughout his life, Mike was an avid and competitive shooter, winning a multitude of matches as a Marine, a 4-H leader in the California State Postal Shoot, and at statewide matches in his retirement. He was active with the American Legion Post 22 in Lodi, serving for a short time on their executive board. He was influential in many lives, more that he probably realized. Mike is survived by his wife Cathy, his daughter and her husband Elizabeth and Mark Racicot. His son and his wife James and Melissa. He has 4 grandchildren, Madison, Julia, Avery, and Kassidy.
A viewing will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park on Monday October 30, 2023 from 4-6pm. Burial will be private at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. A memorial will be held at the Eagle Lodge on Lockeford Street in Lodi on November 12 , 2023 at 2pm. The family encourages anyone who Mike had a positive impact on to attend the Memorial.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to American Legion Post 22 to maintain their firearms and ceremonial detail.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ratto family.