Ballston Spa, NY -Salvatore Joseph Amato passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends Sunday, January 15, 2012.
Sal was born October 19, 1928, in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Josephine and Michael Amato. He attended Cathedral High School in Brooklyn, and received his BA at Fordham University. Sal went on to Fordham Law School, where he received his Doctor of Law degree.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army, being honorably discharged in 1953 with the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Sal was a devout Catholic, and always involved in parish activities. At Saint Finbar’s parish in Brooklyn, he met his true love and soul mate, Cecelia Theresa Mohr. They were wed at Saint Finbar’s November 3, 1951.
In 1958, Sal and his family moved to the Albany area, eventually settling in Guilderland. Always interested in public service, Sal served as a county legislator from Guilderland, a Guilderland Town Board member and chairman of the Guilderland zoning and planning boards. He retired from the NY State Department of Motor Vehicles in 1984 after 28 years of service.
Sal greatly enjoyed opera, reading, the New York Giants, Saratoga Thoroughbred Racing, and picking long shot winners in the Kentucky Derby.
In addition to his parents, Sal was predeceased by his younger brother, Primo and childhood friend and brother-in-law, Mario Leornardi.
Sal was very devoted to family. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Cecelia; five sons, Michael (Monica), Peter, Thomas (Colleen), Joseph and John (Mary Beth); grandchildren, Daniel (Amie), Matthew (Kate), Linda (Taiowa Waner), Raymond, Laura and Melissa; siblings, Michael (Mary Lynn), Madeline (Mohr) Leonardi, and Richard and Filomena Mohr; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday, January19, 2012, at St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs.
Burial will be at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd., Schuylerville.
Sal’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Wesley in Saratoga Springs, and a special thanks to the staff on Springs 4, for their loving care and compassion during Sal’s five-year stay there.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
