Gary S. Amato

Gary S. Amato, age 68, passed away suddenly at home on Friday, February 19, 2021.  Born in Salem, Ohio, on September 13, 1952, he was the son of the late Matthew S. and Helen Virginia (Hudson) Amato and had lived his entire life in this area.  He was a graduate of Beaver Local High School, Class of 1970, and The Stark Tech Fire Service Training Center where he received an Associate Degree in Fire Science. Gary had last worked in Maintenance with the Ohio Turnpike Commission retiring in 2011. He was a Veteran with the U.S. Air Force where he was a Fire Protection Specialist and Fire Service Supervisor

Gary was committed to his community. He was a lifelong member of the West Point Fire Department, the Tri-Angle Ham Radio Club (KB8HTU), the Columbiana County Emergency Management SkyWarn System, an Air Force Mars Operator, and Sky One. He also helped with communications for Columbiana County and the Field Operations for the EMA nuclear drills.

He became very active with his church, the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and its Vacation Bible School.

Gary is survived by his wife, Marie (Wooten) Amato, who he married on March 21, 1973. His son, Rick Amato and his wife, Amanda, of West Point, his daughter, Danielle Harmon and her fiance, Chris Earnest, of Moundsville, WV. Four grandchildren:Thomas Harmon III, Autumn Harmon, Madison Amato, and Annmarie Amato. Two brothers: Rick Amato of Wellsville and Joseph Amato and his wife, Phyllis, of Canton, Ohio, and a sister, Marie Gang, also of Canton and many nieces and nephews.  Other survivors include special friends: Jim Pitcairn, Jack Deshler, Charlie Hatmaker, Fred Conti, Ron and Vicki Phillips, Chris Reese, Thomas Harmon II and all the gang at Sweet Deli. 

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at the Martin Chapel of the Care Funeral and Cremation Specialist with Pastor Jim Rhodes of the church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Columbiana Co. Memorial Park with Military honors offered by the Tri-State Burial Group.

Friends may call and visit on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Martin Chapel in Calcutta. Due to Covid 19, all visitors are required to maintain social distancing and wear masks at all times.

Friends may view this obituary, sign the guestbook, or send condolences on line at carechapel.com.