Worcester – John F. Amato, 78, formerly of Shrewsbury and Ellenton, Fla., passed away Friday, March 30, 2012 in the Memorial Hospital. His dear wife of 38 years, Virginia (Simone Alano) Amato, passed away in July 2008. His stepson, Stephen M. Alano, predeceased him in 1991.
Born in Worcester, one of six children (four boys and two girls) of Leopold and Anna E. (Adamek) Amato, he grew up in Worcester, met and married his love for over 38 years, Virginia M. (Simone Alano) Amato, and lived in Shrewsbury until 1984 when they moved to Ellenton, Fla. Together, they returned to Worcester in 2004.
He is survived by his stepson, Alphonse “Al” Alano Jr., his wife Tara, and their children, Matthew and Michael, whom he considered his family, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and a host of friends.
A hard worker all his life, Mr. Amato began his career as a truck driver for the Teamsters Local 170 at Motor Freight Express, working for over 31 years before retiring in 1982. After retirement, he found part-time work as a funeral assistant for Mercadante Funeral Home until moving to Florida in 1984.
Not a person that could just sit and having a background in transportation, he was offered employment by the Tropicana Orange Corporation as their transport manager in Florida, where he worked for eight years, retiring in 2002.
He was a member, past president and a board of director of the Froshinn Club in Shrewsbury and a member of the Teamsters Local 170 in Worcester.
Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Wednesday, April 4, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. A prayer service will follow at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial in Mt View Cemetery will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
