John Lawrence Amato, of Portland, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24th, beginning his next great adventure.
Born on May 25th, 1953, to Joseph and Lucy Amato, John was a proud lifelong resident of Portland. He graduated from Portland High School with the Class of 1971 and went on to build a strong reputation through years of hard work and dedication. Throughout his career, he held a variety of positions, including truck driving, but was perhaps best known as the owner and operator of Portland Power Equipment.
John possessed a remarkable talent for mechanics and craftsmanship. He found great joy in tinkering with engines and spent countless hours building everything from hot rods to experimental aircraft. Among his proudest accomplishments were the construction of his own 1940 Ford Deluxe and a Kitfox aircraft, projects that reflected both his creativity and determination.
Beyond his mechanical pursuits, John was an accomplished stained-glass artist whose creations brought beauty to those around him. He enjoyed attending car shows and sharing his passion for classic automobiles with friends, family, and fellow members of his beloved car club, The Gasket Goons.
Affectionately known as “Grandpa Cookie,” John cherished every opportunity to spend time with his sons and grandchildren. Family was the center of his life, and he leaves behind a legacy of strong Sicilian heritage, an unwavering work ethic, a passion for classic cars, and a deep love for those fortunate enough to know him.
John was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Lucy Amato, and by his brothers, Joe and Ted Amato.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Amato; his sons, Anthony Amato and his fiancée, Elissia Dougherty, and Michael Amato and his wife, Danielle Amato; his loving sister, Joanne Hansen and her husband, Roy Hansen; his treasured grandchildren, Michael, Maxen, Isabella, and Charlie Anne; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
John's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, and in the many projects, passions, and traditions he shared throughout his life.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, October 9th at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Portland. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Portland. Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, on Thursday, October 8th from 4-6 p.m.