Robert M. Gottuso

Colonel Robert M. Gottuso, 85 of Elkhart, formerly of Bellevue, NE, passed away on July 11, 2015 at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born April 15, 1930 in Utica, NY to Salvatore and Maria (Abbate) Gottuso. He married Dorothy Ann Mody on Sept. 12, 1953. She survives with 2 sons, Eric A. (Teri) Gottuso of Elkhart and Robert M. (Gayle) Gottuso of Laguna Niguel, CA; Grandchildren, Michael, Salvatore, Erica, Nichole, Kyle, Ali, Joey, Vinny, Tony, Gina, Nick, Mindy, Ashley and Kaylee and 5 Great-Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Fay Marie Gottuso, a sister, Rose Evelyn Wojcik and his parents.

After graduating from M.I.T., earning his Master’s degree in meteorology, Robert honorably served his country for 30 years from 1952-1982 in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as Colonel. His last position was commander of the 3rd Weather Wing at Offut AFB, Bellevue, NE.

Visitation for Robert will be from 5-7 pm Monday, July 13th at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, Elkhart and from 10 am to 11 am on Tuesday, July 14th at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church in Bristol, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 am. Fr. Steve LaCroix will officiate. Entombment will be at St. John’s Cemetery, Bellevue, NE at a later date with military honors.

Memorials may be given to Columban Fathers, P.O. Box 10, St. Columbans, NE 68056. Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.