Frank Amato

Of Arlington Heights

Frank Amato was born on July 26, 1935, in Chicago, IL to John and Rose (nee Consintino) Amato. He died October 26, 2022, at his home with his daughter and son-in-law by his side.

Frank was a veteran who proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and served 2 years in active duty in the rank of Specialist - 1st class, and also served 2 years in active reserves and 2 years in inactive reserves. He was honorably discharged on December 31, 1962. During his time as an Army Specialist, he mainly worked overseas in Stuttgart, Germany after World War II as a small arms specialist.

He was also a dedicated Chicago police officer for 30 years, receiving 20 honorable mentions and various complementary letters of gratitude for his service. During his time as a police officer, he worked in 3 high crime districts on squad car / foot patrols, was placed on various special operations task forces / special functions & tactical assignments, and most notably worked as an undercover decoy on transit trains and buses. In the last few years of his service, he worked at O'Hare Airport in the transit terminal until his retirement in 1996.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

His interests and hobbies included building model airplanes, making the most amazing homemade Italian gravy, and enjoying time spent with his friends and family. He was a good, strong, honorable, and patriotic man; a loving and devoted husband to a beautiful and angelic wife; a proud and supportive father to 2 grateful children, and a source of joy and laughter to all who knew him.

Frank is survived by his children Maricay (James) Willis and John (Rebecca) Amato as well as his grandsons Gus and Max Willis.; and sister-in-law Joan Amato. Frank was also known as "Uncle Ike" to many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Catherine Margaret (nee Mullaney) Amato, his parents and his siblings Mike (late Antionette "Toni") Amato, Tony "Curly" Amato, Salvatore "Sam" Amato, Rose "Dolly" (late Tony) Romano, and his twin Annabelle (late Dick) Peszynski, as well as his half-sisters, Mary and Alice, and his half-brother, John.

Visitation Thursday, November 3, 2022 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Glueckert Funeral Home 1520 North Arlington Heights Road (4 blocks south of Palatine Road) Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Funeral Mass will be said Friday, November 4, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. James Catholic Church 831 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Hillside.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.