Michael Gnatovich

Michael Milosh Gnatovich, 84, of Las Vegas passed away November 21, 2024. Michael was born at home in Steubenville, Ohio, to Dan Gnatovich and Marta (Dragovich) Gnatovich on August 16, 1940.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Marta Gnatovich, sister Katie Gnatovich, half-brothers Rade “Tux” Vuceta, Nick “Dilly” Vuceta, and Mitch “Bunte” Vuceta, half-sister Anne (Vuceta) Mavromatis, nieces Georgianne (Mavromatis) Arnette, and Martha (Vuceta) Ebersbach, and nephews John Mavromatis and David Vuceta.

Michael is survived by his wife M. Barbara Gnatovich, nieces Kyle Vuceta and Frances (Michael) (Vuceta) Sherman; nephews James (Babette) Mavromatis, Michael (Jay Lynn) Mavromatis, Nicholas (Lynn) Mavromatis, Christopher (Carol) Vuceta, Jason Vuceta, Nick Vuceta, and Joseph Vuceta; grandnieces Nicole (David) Vuceta Hess, Mariah (Teddy) (Mavromatis) Gorman, Rachel (Vuceta) Ford, Christina Vuceta and Anne (Jason) (Arnette) Lust; grandnephews James (Janet) Arnette, Gary (Jessica) Ebersbach, Robert (Johanna) Ebersbach, James Michael Mavromatis, Daniel (Leslie) Mavromatis, Christopher (Megan) Mavromatis, George (Amanda) Mavromatis, George M. (Ashley) Mavromatis; and several great-grand nephews and great-grand nieces.

Michael grew up in Steubenville, Ohio, during the booming days of the steel mills, graduating from Steubenville ‘Big Red” High School in 1958. When he was 10 years old he received a $20 bill from his half-brother, “Dilly”, for his birthday and that sealed the deal! He decided that he would be a dealer in Las Vegas when he grew up!

After completing his military obligation in the Navy as a submariner, he immediately came to Las Vegas and started his 45+ year career as a craps dealer beginning in downtown Las Vegas and extending to various casinos down the Las Vegas Strip ending at the Tropicana. He spent a 5 year stint in Nassau, Bahamas, opening gaming in the original Paradise Island Resort during the late 60’s and early 70’s.

Michael and his wife met in 1976 as next door neighbors and married in 1981. They spent much of their free time exploring the world on cruises

visiting 6 of the 7 continents. He loved sports, especially football, and spent quite a bit of time deciding on his plays of the day!

Michael shared and enjoyed the gifts of a spiritual life and sobriety for over 40 years as an active member of twelve step programs. He committed himself to serving others and brought peace to the lives of so many people. He believed that “Kindness is Contagious” and he spread it like wildfire. He was a light that brightened up so many days and his impact will be felt for generations.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Davis Funeral Home, 6200 South Eastern Avenue, with Visitation at 11:00 am, Services at 12:00 noon, and Internment at 1:00 pm.

The family of Michael wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the ProCare Hospice and their staff for their compassionate care!