Ronald F. Amato

Hancock;  Ronald F. “Ron” Amato, 80, of the Hancock Canal Road, died at U.P. Health System~Portage early on Monday morning, May 11, 2015.

     He was born in Houghton on August 21, 1934, the son of the late Frank and Margaret (Croze) Amato. He graduated from Hancock Central High School with the class of 1953. Ron then enlisted in the U.S. Navy with his best friend, Pete Houle. He served during the Korean Conflict, from 1953 to 1960 when he was honorably discharged. Following a few laborer positions locally, Ron attended barber school in Detroit. He returned to Hancock and owned Ron's Barber Shop until the mid 1970's. He always blamed the hippies for putting him out of business! Next he learned his father's trade and designed and engraved monuments for Champion Monument Company. His artwork can be seen in cemeteries throughout the Copper Country. While working for Champion, he also started his own business servicing cemetery plots, placing markers and stones, installing curbing, and offering annual care. He proudly taught his children and grandchildren his trade. His son, Mike, continues the family business, Amato Cemetery Service, to date.

     Ron married Janet Seppala of Chassell and Hancock on December 17, 1959. Together they self-constructed two homes and raised three children. They remained together for 25 years before her death. He has shared the next 36 years with his companion, Carole (Roberts) Harris.

     Ron was a life member of the Alfred Erickson American Legion Post 186 of Hancock. He served as post commander during the State of Michigan Convention, was a member of the color guard for many years, and was responsible for the placing of flags on veterans' plots for Memorial Day for many years. In addition, he is also well known locally for his sales of hundreds of spaghetti dinner tickets. He was also a member of the Copper Country Veterans' Association through which he enjoyed honoring fellow service members.

     Besides his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Marge Wouri.  He is survived by his companion, Carole Harris of Houghton, his son Michael Amato of Hancock, daughters Susan Amato-Henderson and husband Brian Henderson of Hancock, and Sandra Sague and husband Ramon Sague of Hancock. He was a loving grandfather to Samantha and Daniel Henderson and Jari and Mikayla Sague. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Norkol of Hancock, and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. He treated many of his children's friends as members of his family.

     Ron loved spending time at his home in “Fisherman's Village” on the lake with his family and friends, taking saunas, strolling Portage Lake on his paddle boat, and enjoying a cold beverage. He was so proud of his kids and grandkids that he bragged to anyone who would listen! He was hoping to have one more summer with family on the lake, but he lost his 2 year battle against a rare autoimmune disease, Antisynthetase Syndrome, that resulted in progressive and severe scaring of his lungs. He wanted to thank the caring nursing and medical staff at U.P. Health System~Portage who took great care of him during his last couple of weeks. It was his hope that someday a cure can be found.

     Burial and military graveside honors will take place at 1:00 P.M. on Friday May 15th  at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock with the Copper Country Veterans Association and Alfred Erickson Post 186 American Legion officiating.

     Friends may call on Thursday at the O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock from 4 until 7 P.M.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to be given to the Copper Country Veterans Association or the Alfred Erickson American Legion Post 186 in the name of Ron Amato.

     To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.

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