Jim Amato, Sr., 82, of West Farmington passed away peacefully at home with family on Friday, February 28, 2020 after battling cancer longer and with more strength than imaginable.
Jim was born May 7, 1937 to Julia and Joseph Amato and attended Mesopotamia schools.
Jim spent nearly 63 years with his wife, Mary Lou Largen, whom he married March 16, 1957, in Hagerstown, Maryland. Together, they raised 5 children.
Jim took pride in working hard and “giving them a good day” whether it was working alongside his brother Sam at the sawmill, helping his brother George at Amato Excavating, or the many years he spent at ITT Grinnell. In retirement, Jim enjoyed driving an amish plumbing crew for several years.
Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting Ford Festivas, watching Gunsmoke, and “good food.” He had a remarkable sense of humor, an incredibly positive attitude and enjoyed living a simple life. He believed in a job well done, no matter how small the task; after all, "if you don’t have time to do it right, how will you find time to do it twice?” He addressed projects with relentless analysis, always making sure to determine the “right approach.” He lifted the spirits of all he met, with his friendly demeanor and warm smile. His legacy will live on through this, as well as his classic one liners, always delivered with impeccable timing.
Left to carry on his incredible work ethic, determination, perseverance, and attention to detail are his son, James Amato, Jr. of West Farmington, and two daughters: Diane Amato-Slusher (Carman) of Key Colony Beach, Florida, and Toni Rae Ciapala (Chuck) of Howland; a brother, George (Jean) Amato of Marathon, Florida, and a sister, Josephine Gause of Middlefield and 6 grandchildren: Heather, Nicky Lee II, Taylor, Tori, Donato and Dante, and his very close personal friend, Paul Pauley. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Nick and Joe, as well as brothers Sam, Chuck, Joe, and a sister Mary.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2020 from 5:30-7:30pm at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High Street, Middlefield, Ohio, 44062. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 11:00am, followed by a procession to Hillside Cemetery in West Farmington. A Celebration of Life dinner will be held immediately following at Farmington VFW post #7200, hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary. Memorial Donations can be made to a Charity of your choice.
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