Rudolph Thomas Amato, Jr.

Rudolph "Rudy" T. Amato Jr., 79, of Vermilion, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at Ames Family Hospice after a brief illness.

Born on February 14, 1944, in Lorain, OH, Rudy had made Vermilion his home for the past 9 years, having previously resided in Lorain.

Rudy served his country as a dedicated veteran of the US Air Force during the Vietnam era.

For 26 years, he was a committed member of the Paint Department at Ford Motor Co., Lorain, retiring in 1997.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Lorain where he also graduated.  Rudy was involved in the UAW #425 and formerly affiliated with the Italian American Veterans (IAV). Apart from his professional commitments, he was known for his love of golf, collecting Lionel Trains, dancing, passionately supporting the Cleveland Indians, Browns and Cavaliers, and spending quality time with his grandchildren and family, especially during the holidays.  His fondest moments were often spent with the "Breakfast Club," a cherished circle of his St. Mary School, Lorain classmates.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Helen (nee Niskey) Amato, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage, as well as his daughters, Alisa (Mike) McClure of LaGrange, Debbie Amato of Lorain, and Michelle (Milan) Radanovich of Lorain. He also leaves behind his adored grandchildren, Scott, Grant, Makenna, Mila, Lauren, Lindsay, and Luke.

Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph Sr. and Marietta "Ann" V. (nee DiLuciano) Amato.

A graveside service will take place Friday, October 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain, with Military Honors to be presented.

The family kindly suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation or the Epilepsy Foundation.

Expressions of sympathy and condolences can be shared online at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.