1928
2011
Vincent Ernest Amato, passed away June 5th, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born April 1, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York, son of Salvatore and Laura Amato, he lived his childhood years in New York, adult life in Belmont and Waltham, Massachusetts and his senior years in Kissimmee, Florida. He was a past commodore of the Watertown Yacht Club as well as a member of the Veterans Club of Solivita. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sarah Amato, five sons, Paul Amato and wife Pat of Farmington, Connecticut, Carl Amato and friend Lori Rounds of East Taunton, Massachusetts, John Amato and wife Nancy of Ridgefield, Connecticut, Vincent Amato and friend Kevin Brodie of Atlanta, Georgia, Michael Amato and wife Erin of Santa Cruz, California, daughter Jean Marie and husband Bobby Manzoor of Lawrenceville, Georgia. Grandchildren Sarah Amato, David Amato, Robert Amato, Carrie Amato, Ross Amato, Alissa Amato, Bilal Manzoor, Leena Manzoor, Maliha Manzoor, Muhammad Usman Manzoor, Umar Manzoor, Seleema Manzoor and great grandchild Jeremiah Rowland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans Club of Solivita Honor Guard, P.O.Box 581770, Poinciana, Florida 34758. A memorial service will take place at 2PM on Saturday, June 11, at Grissom Funeral Home, 803 Emmett Street in Kissimmee.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 24, 2011
Lynne Koslowsky
To the entire Amato family, I wanted to let you know I am thinking about you and remembering Vinnie, and all the great times our families shared. Vinnie was a very special, kind man, and he will be missed. You remain in my thoughts.
June 18, 2011
Dear Sarah and Children: My family and I will always remember Vinnie, and the good times we had together. Our love to all of you. Much love, Phyllis, Cosmo, Rob, Scott and families.
June 17, 2011
Dave and Debbie Wynn
Mike, Jean, Sarah and all,
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Amato's passing. He was always a gentleman and the kind of father that a lot of us kids wish we had.
Our prayers are with you.
June 16, 2011
Amato children
Vincent E. Amato, Sr.- From his kids
I want to share some thoughts and experiences with you on this often understated but quite extraordinary man.
When you think of our dad, Vinnie, there might not be one immediate thought or impression that pops into your head. Maybe that he was an incredibly kind person, devoted to his wife of 57 years, Sarah, and their 6 kids and 12 grandkids. But when you stop and think about Dad you realize that he was truly a remarkable person who lived a life mostly to make his family happy. Dad, from all of us down here, we can emphatically say you did a wonderful job.
Dad was born on April 1, 1928. He was the second son of two Italian-American immigrants. Dad was in effect raised an only child, since his only brother, Julius, was quite a bit older. His parents were hard workers, often leaving him alone to fend for himself. As a child, Dad enjoyed swimming and developed an affinity for the water. He also loved tinkering with mechanical and electrical devices. He graduated from a technical high school in Manhattan and then enlisted in the Air Force, since he had also cultivated a love for aviation. It was 1946, so World War II fighting had ended, but Dad played an important role during the ensuing couple of years. His job as a radio operator was to guide the fighter pilots onto the airbase runways, often in bad weather. Since these were the days before sophisticated radar, his role was obviously critical. His service took him across the country, as far away as California, and he was honorably discharged as a sergeant. His love of aviation didn’t stop there however, as he become a licensed pilot and flew his own plane. Believe it or not, we still have the old wooden propeller from that plane.
Under the GI Bill, Dad decided to study aeronautical engineering in college in California. However, the distance from home became too great a burden and the home-sick New Yorker returned to Brooklyn to begin a career that we’ve best labeled as a mechanical and electrical designer.
In the early 1950’s, a buddy of Dad set him up on a blind date with an Italian-American nursing student from Brooklyn. Sarah Crivelli had quite a reputation around the streets of Brooklyn as a tomboy. And Dad was feeling a bit like an outsider to Sarah’s dad and mom, John and Mary Crivelli. But the “Calabrese” soon won over their hearts and mom has never admitted it, but we’re sure it didn’t take long for her to fall for the dashing, zoot-suit-wearing pilot taking her for a quick flight at sunset. In 1954, he and Sarah were married. Children quickly followed, the first four in the next six years.
One of my favorite childhood memories involves the time we were living in Woodside Queens when I was 4, maybe 5 years old, and dad would be arriving home from work. Dad would get off the train, and walk home, Mom would take me outside to meet him. When he was just up the street she would let me go and I take off, racing up the block to greet him. He would have his arms outstretched, newspaper in one hand, big smile on his face. I would jump into his arms and he would lift me in a big bear hug. I remember to this day how he smelled of Old Spice and newspaper and… Dad. He was warm and good.
In 1962 President Kennedy came into our lives and changed all of us forever. Kennedy’s quest for the moon meant all the best people were sought after to be part of the team to design and build the Apollo space craft. Dad was given the opportunity to help design the instrument panel for one of the Apollo rockets. He never made a big deal of it but he was part of that group that successfully designed and built the rocket that took our astronauts to the moon multiple times! Imagine that!
At this time our family was firmly rooted in Queens, New York but the Apollo job was in Boston. Dad and Mom made the difficult decision that Dad would work in Boston for the length of the project, a year or so, and then return to Queens. In July of 1963, however, the project timeline was extended and it was clear the best opportunity for the family was to move to Boston. Vinnie, Sarah and the four boys settled in the suburban town of Belmont, saying goodbye to city living, noise and congestion and hello to tree-lined streets and good public schools.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder and you can probably guess that was true for dad. He was thrilled to be reunited again with the family in the new home. And it wasn’t long before there were two more additions to the family. The first and only girl, Jean, his beloved Gee Gee, the apple of his eye and the namesake of his three boats, arrived soon after settling in Belmont. In 1966 the arrival of baby Mike made the family complete.
With piloting an impossible hobby now and Dad’s apparent love for not being on solid ground, Dad bought a boat for the family. Our love for boating, fishing, and waterskiing was born. The 16-foot boat was quickly replaced with an 18-footer, then 24-footer, and finally a 31-footer. Dad became Commodore of the Watertown Yacht club, a sort of working-man’s yacht club on the Charles River, and taught boating courses to novices. Summers would find us fishing up in Lynn or Boston Harbor, and for 2 glorious weeks waterskiing at Sebago Lake in Maine. For endless hours Dad would take all of us and our friends water-skiing. With our family of mostly teenage boys staying at a group of cottages that seemed to have mostly teenage girls Dad never complained about us constantly asking him to drive the boat so we could teach yet one more girl to water-ski or go for a boat ride on the lake.
Ah, the times on the boat! Whether it was having the best seat in the house on the Charles River for the Fourth of July fireworks, or catching and cleaning 60 flounder when we went fishing, these were some of the happiest times for Dad.
He loved the water and being on the boat for any reason or occasion. There was no question who the captain of the boat was. We all looked to Dad for leadership. One particular time we were caught in a surprise thunderstorm, with high winds and incredible thunder and lightning. I remember looking behind us at this giant wave, bigger than the boat and being terrified. Yet Dad calmly returned us to the yacht club – never once making us feel like he wasn’t completely in control of the situation.
Dad’s career took him to many different companies, designing parts for everything from pizza ovens to Polaroid cameras. One year, Dad happened to get laid off about a month before Christmas. We all thought that this might mean Santa Claus would be a little less generous that year. Not a chance. The customary room full of gifts for the six kids was as large as ever. And that’s what Dad was all about. Always coming through, always being there for us. Dad wasn’t the loud, flashy type. Never brash or a braggart (although you may agree with me that he had cause to be!) He was a humble, kind-hearted man. He always knew what to do.
And knowing what to do meant, for us, a room full of Christmas presents, memorable family vacations or simple fishing trips. He excelled at swimming, snow skiing, bowling and waterskiing but those pursuits would take a back seat to our needs. He supported us in any endeavor we wanted to try. He was a Cub Scout leader for our troop and there was no question we always had the coolest pinewood derby cars because of him. When we were older, he spent endless hours working on all the real cars we owned, starting with my 1954 Ford. He loved mentoring us all, but I think especially his namesake son Vince who shares Dad’s love of tinkering, his mechanical ability and love of the water and boats. I remember young Vince sticking to Dad’s side watching and learning even when he was very young.
Dad even took me hunting when I showed an interest in that sport. Here was a man raised in the city, in Brooklyn, but he never hesitated to take me out to wander the woods of the Fitchburg sportsman club because it was an interest I had.
Dad never particularly cared for watching sports on TV, but he thoroughly enjoyed watching his kids play, whether it was Little League, soccer or softball. John and Michael excelled at soccer, Carl at football and all played on high school teams. He seldom missed a game. He supported us in that quiet, patient manner so characteristic of him.
He was also the very definition of a supporting and loving husband. He loved Mom and he was always there to make dinner, take care of the kids or whatever needed to be done when Mom was working the late shift at the hospital. 57 years of marriage and to the very end his main concern was that Sarah was being taken care of.
One of the things I think of when I think of Dad was that he could fix anything. Electrician, plumber, welder, mechanic – these words all describe him. He helped those of us who didn’t inherit his mechanical talents through home-ownership. He either actually fixed the things in our houses (he was always so gracious when we’d inevitably ask him to fix something while he was visiting on vacation) or walking us through it step by step on the phone with an incredible show of patience. His legacy will be hard to match.
And oh did he love to make us laugh, and his jokes became classics. To this day my brothers, sister and I can’t look at chocolate pudding with whipped cream without thinking of the time when we were young that he covered his pudding completely with whipped cream and proclaimed that all he had was a bowl of whipped cream. Of course as young kids who adored their dad, all we wanted then was a bowl of whipped cream. Or on Vince junior’s birthday every year – EVERY SINGLE YEAR – when Vince and John would be the same age for a month (no they aren’t real twins, but Irish twins), he would proudly exclaim he had two 6-year olds or two 12 year olds or two 49-year olds in the house.
Even when he was sick he would still come out with some understated joke or comment that would have us all just smiling.
Later in life dad kept busy by working at a boating store in Massachusetts and quickly became the “go-to” guy for any type of boating electronics. As with all the other places he worked, everybody loved Vinnie.
When it was time to escape the cold and move to Florida, it didn’t take Dad long to join the Veteran’s Club of Solivita and the Honor Guard. He truly loved the camaraderie of the club and readily volunteered to help out when he could. He always enjoyed the Solivita activities, including the billiards broom, movie night and the Memorial Day festivities, where he proudly carried the colors. But he especially cherished his fellow veterans and othe friends he met through the Veterans’ club and throughout Solivita. He was sincerely grateful, as are we, for all the help Ginger Minervini, Larry Dunivant and other Solivita residents provided to us in driving Dat to his numerous medical appointments over the last year.
This last year was a tough one for dad. But you know he never complained. Doing for others still motivated and pleased him. It did become increasingly difficult for him to do that and he graciously accepted help. Here I want to mention my brother Carl. I will never forget when he announced to us about a year and a half ago that he was taking a leave from his job to come to Florida to care for mom and dad. And Oh boy I am not sure he really knew what he was in for! But he quickly got a handle on the situation, stabilized their care and essentially, single handedly kept both our parents out of the nursing home and able to continue to live in their home in Solavita.
Along the way I think Dad and Carl developed a special relationship. Carl became Dad’s caregiver, advocate, protector and friend. And Dad became Carl’s companion and buddy. They went out to breakfast together, to lunch, to the movies, to air shows and who would have pictured Dad at a motorcycle rally! There was dad on his scooter, sunglasses and wearing a bandana on his head, mingling with a thousand tattooed motorcycle dudes! Carl and Dad had a very special relationship. Carl I know you will miss him terribly. All of us want to thank you for the love, caring, and dignity you provided to dad.
So how do you sum up 83 years of a full life? He was a mechanic, fix-it man, hunter, fisherman, cook, captain of the boat, commodore, comedian, teacher, mentor, pilot, aircraft controller, veteran, a man with seemingly unlimited patience, devoted husband, father and family man, he was all of these things and more.
When you remember Vinnie, our Dad, remember the guy who never thought of himself first, but always of others, especially his family. We love you Dad. We miss you. May you rest in peace.
June 14, 2011
Jack Koslowsky
Sarah, Paul, Carl, John, Vinnie, Jr., Jean and Michael,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Vinnie. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I often reflect on the great times our families had together, and I will always remember Vinnie with great fondness.
June 13, 2011
Bill Gardiner
Dear Sarah and the entire Amato family,
I just heard about Vinny's passing. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Although many years have passed, I will always remember his hearty laugh and sense of humor.
June 12, 2011
Bonnie Place-Gill
Dear Carl and Family-
I am so sorry for your loss
June 12, 2011
Dear Aunt Sarah and family,I am so sorry at the passing of Uncle Vinny he men't a great deal to me
he will always be in my thoughts and prayers.Love Always
Sal
June 10, 2011
Imad&Tabinda(appi)
Dearest jean Aisha Manzoor-Please accept Our deepest condolence on the vary sad demise of your beloved father.May GOD his soul rest in piece.Amin.We also pray for all of you to face this irreversible loss with courage and patience.Please express our concern to your mother and brothers
June 10, 2011
Karen Minervini
Amato Family.Wish I was there to be with the family.Vinnie was a awesome man.Glad our familys meet and became close.I love you guys.If you need anything don't hesitate to call.Your family is in my prays.
June 10, 2011
Dear Sarah, Vinnie Jr., Kevin and entire Amato family -
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. It was our pleasure to have known Vinnie Sr. through his trips to Lake Lanier. It was so clear that he was a both a loving husband and father, and beloved head of the family. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
- Alex and Kevin
(Atlanta, GA)
June 9, 2011
Dear Sarah and Family, Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time of the loss of Vinnie. He was a special husband, father, grandfather and friend. We will miss him but take comfort knowing he is at peace. Love, Joyce, Ira and Family
June 9, 2011
I am so sorry.Wish I was there to be with the family.Love you guys.He was a awesome man
June 9, 2011
Doctors' Pain Management
We were very saddened by the news of Mr. Vincent Amato, but we are also in peace knowing that he is not suffering any longer. He had that special smile that just made you want to smile along with him. Please know that we will keep the entire Amato Family in our prayers. May God Bless each and everyone of you. Mr. Amato was a blessing and will be missed.
June 8, 2011
Mary (Spillane) Dawson
Dear Sara and Family: I was so sorry to hear about Vinny's passing. He was such a nice, gentle man. I have such wonderful memories of the time I spent with all of you and wish you peace at this difficult time. You have my deepest sympathy.
Love, Mary
June 8, 2011
Kimberly Wright
To the Amato Family: I would like to send my sincere sympathy out to the entire family. I know that Vincent is in a better place and spreading his wings over his family protecting each and everyone of you. I was so sorry to hear about his passing but also in the same breath relieved that he does not have to suffer with his pain any longer. He will be truely missed. God Bless each and everyone of you.
Kimberly Wright
Doctors' Pain Management
June 8, 2011
We will always have wonderful memories of Vinnie, Sara. Our days on the water from Maine to Newport, especially Cuttyhunk with lobster are
Still crystal clear. The Amato family has and always will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Ken and Barbara Cowan
June 8, 2011
Lynn (Rounds) Keyes
Sarah, Carl and Family,
Claude and I were so blessed to have been able to spend a little time with you and Vinnie during our recent trip to Florida. We will always remember that special afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love, Lynn and Claude
June 8, 2011
Gary McArdle
We are very sorry to hear about Uncle Vinny. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Family. We will always remember the friendly smile and greetings everytime we would see him. We will miss him.
All our love, Paula and Gary
June 8, 2011
Chris & John Anderson
Dear Carl and Family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father, may you be comforted by the many caring thoughts and prayer being sent to you.
John and Chris Anderson
June 7, 2011
Carl,Sarah and family. Doug and I want to let you all know, that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
June 7, 2011
Mary Lu (Burke) Petty
Dear Sara & Family: I am so sorry and saddened about your loss. I will always remember Mr. Amato with a huge smile and a big welcome whenever I was in your home...or on your boat. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Mary Lu
June 7, 2011
Dear Carl and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you at this sad time.
Steve and Shelley Coelho
June 7, 2011
Grissom Funeral Home
The staff at Grissom Funeral Home and Crematory.
June 7, 2011
Johanna Gardner
Dear John, Nancy & family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father/grandfather. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you and your entire family. May the memories of joyful times spent with Vinny and family over the years ease the pain.
Love, Paul, Johanna, Brenden, & Corbin Gardner and Colleen Haag
June 7, 2011
Pete & Chris Fox
Sarah,John,Paul,Carl,Vince,Michael,and Jean
We were so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Pete and I will always remember the great times we had together especially the trips Vinnie took us out on the Charles to see the fireworks. He will be missed by many. Just remember you now have a special Guardian Angel watching over you. With sympathy and friendship.
June 7, 2011
Joe & Marie Cura
Dear Sarah and family,
Marie and I are so saddened to learn of Vinny's passing. As a kid I was so inspired by all the cool things he did, Flying, boating, etc. A great man and role model,to all of us. Our prayers are with you and the family. I wish we could be there with all of you. We love you all.
June 7, 2011
Cindy Filkins
May the peace that comes from the memories of love you shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Your Friends,
Keith, Cindy, Frank
F&S Mechanical
June 6, 2011
Mike & Jeanne Marks
Our sincere condolences on your loss. It was our honor to know Vinny.
He was a fellow veteran and friend.
June 6, 2011
Donna Mullen
Carl and Sarah so sorry to hear about Vinnie,All my love to you all.
Donna Mullen
June 6, 2011
Debbie and Tom Stevens
Dear Sarah and family:
We were saddened to learn of Vinny's death. We fondly recall our times together and wish we could be there to help be of comfort to you.
June 6, 2011
Mamie, Aldo, Chris, Judy, Chuck & family Cura/Schwab
Dear Sarah and family, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you. We wish we could be with you during this trying time. Your Belmont family sends our love and prayers to you and your family. We love you all so much.
June 6, 2011
Vinny was a brother Veteran and a really great guy. I will miss him and so will all the members of the Veterans Club of Solivita. Take care and goodby. Joe
June 5, 2011
Pete & Chris Fox
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