Obituaries and Memories
Vincent Jay Gurto
January 12, 1963
March 20, 1968
Obituary
Vincent was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gurto 694 Residence St.
He disappeared from a babysitter’s home on Conneaut Row on March 20.
Extensive search by police and firemen failed to locate the boy. Footprints were found leading onto the ice on the lake but none returning.
SCUBA divers were called in and as thorough a search as possible of the lake was made.
Conneaut police were in charge this morning and deputy coroner, Dr. R. W. Shelby, of Ashtabula, made the coroner’s investigation.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church.
Vincent was born in Conneaut on Jan. 12, 1963. He was a member of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church and attended Mrs. Richard Colson’s nursery school.
Surviving besides his parents are three brothers, Joseph, Michael and Anthony, all at home; his paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gurto, Conneaut, his maternal grandparents, Howard Smith, Cleveland, and Mrs. Edna Smith, Boca Raton, Fla. and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Thompson Funeral Home where prayer service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Wednesday, April 24, 1968 “The News Herald”
Funerals
Vincent Jay Gurto
Mass of the Angels was offered at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church for Vincent Jay Gurto, 5, of 694 Residence Street.
The Rev. David Rhodes, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s church, offered the mass which was sung by the second and third grade students of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church. Charles Rose served as organist.
Prayers were offered at the Thompson Funeral Home prior to the church rites where prayer service was also held on Monday evening led by the Rev. Blaine Pierce, pastor of St. Mary’s.
Pall bearers were John Moneypenny, Patrick, Frank and Anthony Gurto, uncles of Vincent.
Burial was in St Joseph Cemetery with Fr. Rhodes offering graveside prayers.
Friends and relatives attended from Milwaukee, Wis., Buffalo, N.Y., Erie, Pa., Cleveland and Ashtabula
Newspaper Articles
Heavy Fog Brings End to Hunt For Missing Vincent Gurto, 5
Thursday, March 21, 1968 “The News-Herald”
In Lake Erie Ice
Heavy Fog Brings End to Hunt For Missing Vincent Gurto, 5
Bulletin
Due to thick fog moving in from the lake, the ice search for Vincent Gurto, 5, in Lake Erie ice has been called off, it was announced at press time today.
The decision was reached in a conference between Police Chief Jack Sanford and volunteer SCUBA divers. The search will not be resumed until the “ice moves, either way,” it was announced.Search resumed this morning for five-year-old Vincent Gurto, believed drowned through the ice on Lake Erie, off the Whitney Rd area. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gurto, 694 Residence St.
The boy was being cared for at a cottage on Conneaut Row. Police received the report that he was missing about 1:45 p.m.
At 2 p.m. the boy’s dog companion came home dripping wet, according to Mrs. Lorraine Sullivan, who was babysitting with the youngster.
Police searchers found cowboy boot tracks in two separate spots along the beach. One set led up a flight of stairs away from the beach and the others led out onto the ice.
When the tracks onto the ice were discovered, Police Chief Jack Sanford launched a full-scale search and called in regular and volunteer firemen as well as SCUBA divers from the Conneaut Blue Fins.
Dragging a metal skiff to carry their gear and provide safety measures, Paul and Frank Specht were the first divers to follow the tracks onto the ice. But once the light covering of snow disappeared, the footprints were no longer visible.
Assuming the lad had continued on the northwest course he started, the divers combed the area looking for further clues.
Break Through Ice
Time after time they broke through the ice. Slush ice existed as far as their toes could reach, Frank said. As quickly as they vacated the hole in the solid ice, it filled with slush, he added.
U.S. Coast Guard helicopter also resumed operation but had to be grounded when ice began to form about 9:30. It is expected to take up the search again if the weather clears.
Although divers continued to probe the lake for the boy there are those who refuse believe he is in the water.
Shore Search Made
A thorough search was made of the bank area, it was reported today. Small buildings were checked hoping to find the youngster accidentally locked inside, safe and unharmed. Septic tanks were peered into, boats overturned for the winter were lifted; open areas under the summer cottages where a small inquisitive boy might get caught were investigated.
An aunt of the youngster insists that the boy was of a nature to head for Ashtabula where his mother works, if the thought came to him.
Vincent weighs about 50 pounds and was dressed in a brown hooded jacket and dark trousers when last seen. No clues, other than the boot tracks have been uncovered to hint of the whereabouts of the boy.
Searchers were joined later by other members of the diving club.
Coast Guard helicopter with great search lights entered the hunt about 9 p.m. Search operations by divers and others began again this morning.
At the time of the boy’s disappearance fog was so thick the searchers could hardly see their own hand before them.
It continued throughout the afternoon beginning to lift about 4:30 p.m.
Coast Guardsmen from the Ashtabula Station brought a small skiff to the scene this morning.
The incident Wednesday parallels the drowning of Ronald Zito, 10, several years ago. Ronny, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Zito, then living at 22 Ohio Drive, fell through he ice shortly before Christmas. His tracks led to the hole in the ice and only his pet dog’s tracks returned from the scene.
"Wonderland" Lake Erie Ice Weird, Deadly
It is a wonderland of “make-believe” during the winter, this Lake Erie Beach of ours. Its mountains and caverns and crevices of ice and snow flung up by north wind driven waves are enough to tempt even the strongest of the imaginative and adventuresome.
But it neglects to warn that it is a deadly trap
And now it becomes apparent it has claimed another victim, five-year-old Vincent Gurto, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gurto, 694 Residence Street.
Cowboy Boots
Police found cowboy boot footprints leading off the dunes into the flat ice opposite the Whitney Rd. area. Nowhere could they find a returning trail. A dog companion returned home without the boy.
Searchers were mystified at first by another set of footprints in the snow at the bottom of stairs leading up to the bank away from the beach.
As the day wore on and no other trace of the boy could be found, grim faced officers and firemen began to feel certain those leading onto the lake were the fresher signs.
Hindered by Fog
Due to a thick gray fog curtain the search literally began inch by inch/ Wherever one looked, the curtain hung before his eyes. Each searcher must have felt himself entirely alone and completely unable to see “beyond his own outstretched hand.” Sound too, is distorted by fog. Noises from companions would indicate they were approaching from a false direction.
Little boys are a strange wonder. Some things in their childhood they will remember long after they have grown to manhood. But how quickly a command to “stay in you own yard” or “wait” can be forgotten
Photo Captions.
LONELY VIGIL is kept by Mrs. Lorraine Sullivan and her dog Ebony as SCUBA divers probe the Icy waters of Lake Erie five-year-old Vincent Gurto. “Vinnie” was being cared for by Mrs. Sullivan when he wandered off with Ebony, a mixed cocker spaniel and poodle, early Wednesday afternoon. Only Ebony returned. The boy is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gurto, 694 Residence St.
HUNCHED AGAINST THE fog and cold drizzle (top) Joseph Gurto, second from left, stands with volunteer fireman from Station Four as divers search for his son, Vincent, 5. Right is Dave Williamson and hidden from view except for his battalion chief’s hat and his walkie-talkie radio is Russell Johnson. Others are unidentified. Lower Photo- Using a metal skiff as a sled, Paul, Frank and Richard Specht and William Harkabus pick their way further out on the ice through fog to search for Vincent who wandered away early Wednesday afternoon. Boot tracks led the men to search the ice-covered lake.
BY MARGARET SCHMIDT
News Herald Reporter
Land Hunt Continues for Missing Boy, 5
Friday, March 22, 1968 “The News Herald”
Form Search Parties
Land Hunt Continues for Missing Boy, 5
Search parties have been formed to continue looking on land for five-year-old Vincent Gurto who has been missing since shortly after noon Wednesday.
Police Chief Jack Sanford today urged citizens to support the land search for the boy in and around their properties.
The hunt, concentrated on the icy lake Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, was called off due to the risk to the searchers, and weather conditions which made further search impossible.
“In reality, we are assuming the boy has drowned because of footprints onto the ice,” Chief Sanford said. “But we cannot afford to overlook other possibilities,” he added/
Slush ice below the surface prevented the divers from any measure of success in water search it was pointed out. Repeatedly the divers broke through the deteriorating surface ice.
A full scale hunt was organized soon after the boy was reported missing by his baby sitter, Mrs. Lorraine Sullivan, No.2 Conneaut Row.
Conneaut police and firemen headed the initial search. They were joined by members of SCUBA diving clubs from Conneaut, Erie and Madison.
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter was brought here from Detroit, Wednesday night and combed the area on the lake with large searchlights until about 12:30 a.m.
The search was taken up again at daybreak but was called off before noon when the fog and rain made visibility impossible.
Vincent is the youngest of four children whose parents are Mr. Mrs. Joseph Gurto, 694 Residence St
Photo Caption
LAKE SCENE of search for five-year-old Vincent Gurto is bleak and barren today as the hunt turns to land. Called off Thursday after a fruitless 11-hour search of the lake, the hunt was picked up again today by land search parties. The boy’s tracks led onto the frozen lake with no sign of return. However, police and others searching feel they must not overlook other possibilities. Vincent wandered away from No. 2. Conneaut Row where he was cared for on Wednesday.
Sincere Concern for "Vinnie"
Editorials
Sincere Concern for “Vinnie”
The fascination Lake Erie holds for young children appears to have claimed another life on the Conneaut lakefront.
It is almost certain little Vincent (Vinnie) Gurto, not yet quite five years of age, is the latest to perish. Tracks from the tot’s prized cowboy boots led across the beach to the soft lake ice. None was found returning.
A dog who accompanied the child on his final journey returned home, alone and soaking wet.
The immediate turnout of volunteer searchers, including city police, firemen, SCUBA divers and Coast Guardsmen was indeed heartening.
Especially singled out for praise is the Coast Guard helicopter crew who cruised the beach just above the ice far into the darkness of night. Spot lights were used in the vain attempt to locate the lad.
City divers literally took their lives in hand by probing the dangerous and shifting ice.
In such sorrowful and tragic circumstances, is was wonderful to see the sincere concern shown by so many for the life of a small child.
Saturday, March 23, 1968 “The News Herald”
Photo Caption. – CHECKING AREAS ALREADY searched, Conneaut police and firemen combined their efforts again Friday afternoon in an attempt to locate five-year-old Vincent Gurto. Private pond on Lakeview Ave was drained by its owner, Charles Allshouse, and the area probed by firemen and policemen. Here, Ptl. Leo Sackett gets an assist across Kelsey’s Run by fire LT. Vincent Parlongo while Ptl. George Brown stands by to lend a hand. Vincent disappeared from No. 2 Conneaut Row shortly after noon Wednesday.
Divers Still Probe Lake Ice for Boy
Monday, March 25, 1968 ” The News Herald”
Other Counties Aid
Divers Still Probe Lake Ice for Boy
It is hard to give up search for a little boy.
Despite official end of the hunt for Vincent Gurto, 694 Residence St., because of weather and lake conditions, SCUBA divers for miles around are still probing the ice-choked waters near the scene of the youngsters disappearing footprints.
The five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Gurto wandered away from the home of his babysitter, Mrs. Lorraine Sullivan, No. 2 Conneaut Row about noon Wednesday. The tracks leading onto the ice are the only clues police found to indicate the fate of the boy.
Police Chief Jack Sanford Saturday released a public vote of thanks for all those involved in the search.
Assisted at Bridge
Erie County (Oh.) Rescue Unit headed by Sgt. Henry Hauser from Huron, Oh., contacted the chief on Saturday, offering assistance and were on the scene late Sunday afternoon. Men from this unit assisted in recovering bodies from the Ohio River when the bridge at Gallipolis collapsed last fall.
Erie SCUBA diving club, under direction of President Sam Leo and Vice President George Abercrombie, has spent approximately 20 hours in three days searching for the youngster.
Men from Conneaut’s Blue Fins were on the scene almost immediately 20 minutes after the tracks were found. The Blue Fins Club is comprised mostly of volunteer firemen from Conneaut Fire Station Four. William Harkabus and Paul Specht, recuperation from the strain of the initial search, were at the scene Sunday assisting with information developing from the hunt to date.
Sheriff Edwin Cunningham, from Lake County, Saturday offered assistance from his department, Chief Sanford said, and a unit from Madison joined the search on Thursday.
Regular firemen and landbound volunteers have probed thoroughly into small cracks and areas south of the lake which night have trapped the youngster.
Another group of four professional divers from the Warren, Pa. area were in Conneaut on Saturday to aid in the search, the chief stated. However, lack of movability due to slush ice under the surface discouraged them from making any dives, it was pointed out.
Photo Caption.
DIVERS BENT ON FINDING five-year-old Vincent Gurto, missing since Wednesday, approach the shore to confer with Conneaut divers who were on the scene after the boy’s tracks were found on the ice following his disappearance. Leaders of these two groups are Sam Leo, president of Erie, Pa., SCUBA divers (third from left) Sgt. Henry Hauser of Huron, Erie County, Oh. recovery team, (third from right) and George Abercrombie vice president of the Erie, Pa. group (right).
Vincent Gurto Not Found by Searchers
Thursday, March 28, 1968 “The News Herald”
Vincent Gurto Not Found by Searchers
Five-year-old Vincent Gurto, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gurto 694 Residence St. is still missing from his home.
The boy disappeared from No. 2 Conneaut Row on March 20. Efforts of police, firemen, and volunteers have failed to locate the youngster.
Washed Ashore - Gurto Boy's Body Is Found on Beach
Saturday, April 20, 1968 “The News Herald”
Washed Ashore
Gurto Boy’s Body is Found on Beach
Five-year-old Vincent Gurto was found shortly before 7:30 this morning, one month from the day he disappeared.
His little body, minus only the cowboy boots, washed ashore about 180 feet west of the west breakwall on Township Park Beach.
He was discovered by Leonard Laitinen, 993 Buffalo Street.
Mr. Laitinen said he was returning from the breakwall where he had been talking with a friend and spotted the object at the water’s edge. Upon further investigation he discovered it was the boy.
Vincent was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gurto 694 Residence St.
He disappeared from a babysitter’s home on Conneaut Row on March 20.
Extensive search by police and firemen failed to locate the boy. Footprints were found leading onto the ice on the lake but none returning.
SCUBA divers were called in and as thorough a search as possible of the lake was made.
Conneaut police were in charge this morning and deputy coroner, Dr. R. W. Shelby, of Ashtabula, made the coroner’s investigation.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church.
Vincent was born in Conneaut on Jan. 12, 1963. He was a member of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church and attended Mrs. Richard Colson’s nursery school.
Surviving besides his parents are three brothers, Joseph, Michael and Anthony, all at home; his paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gurto, Conneaut, his maternal grandparents, Howard Smith, Cleveland, and Mrs. Edna Smith, Boca Raton, Fla. and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Thompson Funeral Home where prayer service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Funerals - Vincent Jay Gurto
Funerals
Vincent Jay Gurto
Mass of the Angels was offered at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church for Vincent Jay Gurto, 5, of 694 Residence Street.
The Rev. David Rhodes, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s church, offered the mass which was sung by the second and third grade students of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church. Charles Rose served as organist.
Prayers were offered at the Thompson Funeral Home prior to the church rites where prayer service was also held on Monday evening led by the Rev. Blaine Pierce, pastor of St. Mary’s.
Pall bearers were John Moneypenny, Patrick, Frank and Anthony Gurto, uncles of Vincent.
Burial was in St Joseph Cemetery with Fr. Rhodes offering graveside prayers.
Friends and relatives attended from Milwaukee, Wis., Buffalo, N.Y., Erie, Pa., Cleveland and Ashtabula
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