John Anthony Gateau, Sr., 88 of Hollywood, MD died peacefully, September 12, 2011, surrounded by his family. Born July 6, 1923, in Washington, DC; he was the son of the late George J. Gateau and Amy I. Gateau.

He married the love of his life, Winifred M. Hill of Altoona, PA on September 14, 1938. They were to celebrate their 73rd wedding anniversary on September 14, 2011.

He was an Auxiliary Fireman for the Metropolitan Area of DC in the early 1940's, then he served in the United States Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky and held the title of Lance Corporal; separating from service in 1945. Following his service in the military, he devoted 24 years of service to the DC Fire Department from which he retired as Sergeant and moved from Clinton, MD to his home in Hollywood, MD where he resided for over 48 years. In his earlier years, he also owned and operated a furniture repair business known as John's Furniture Service. He was also a long time parishioner of St. John's Church in Hollywood, MD.

John is survived by his wife, Winifred (Wink) and six children, John Jr. (Linda) of Ocean Pines; George of Edgewater; Angel Judd (Craig) of Hollywood; Robert (Beth) of Hughesville, Patricia Muchow (Dan) of Leonardtown; and Sandra Wathen (Robert Reece) of Mechanicville.

He is predeceased by five brothers and sisters (George, Emily, Bucky, Rita, Billy), with one surviving sister, Frances Gates of Golden Beach. He was also predeceased by two grandsons, John A. Gateau, III and Frederick Simeon III.

He was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 13 great - great grandchildren and 7 step grandchildren. He had a great love for the work of the firefighters and the sacrifices they make for saving others. But his greatest and endless love was his family, friends and special companion "Tammy" his pet poodle. His belief in families was obvious as he established the legacy for the Gateau family traditions. In addition to his family, he enjoyed being close to the Patuxtent River and the beauties it offered.

The family will receive friends for John's Life Celebration on September 15, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Dignan on September 16, 2011 at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church in Hollywood, MD at 11:00 with interment immediately following at St. John's Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Robert Gateau, George Gateau Sr., George Gateau Jr., George Gateau, III, John Wathen, Jr., and Joel Wathen. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dan Muchow, Craig Judd, Robert Reece and Donald Finch, Sr; along with the DC Fire Department Honor Guards.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice House of St. Mary's, P.O Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650; the American Cancer Society, 1041 Route 3 N, Bldg. A, Gambrills, MD 21054, the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 7, Hollywood, MD 20636 or the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.