Robert Amato

Robert Amato was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Robert always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Robert was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges. Robert was born on September 5, 1960 at Victory Memorial Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Peter and Amalia Amato. Robert was raised in Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York. Always able to express himself well, Robert possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Robert was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic. Blessed with a balanced attitude, Robert was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Robert was raised with one. He had one older brother, Joseph. Robert had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return. As a young child, Robert showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Robert enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in baseball. He was a cub scout. In his spare time he liked to race model cars on a track. Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Robert was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He attended Tottenville High School, then obtained his GED in 1979. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite classes in high school was science and math. When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Robert. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He earned his associates in Civil Engineering. His favorite courses were Electrical Engineering. Friends and acquaintances found Robert an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Robert was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Rob Rispoli, Ricky Rispoli, Danny Libecci, Sal Scalabrino, Joe Marzella (aka, Joe Mutz), Richie Fasulo, and Frankie Fasulo. Later in life, he became best friends with Nik Kannagin. On May 3, 1987 Robert exchanged wedding vows with Mary Grace Riccardi at the Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church of Staten Island, New York. Robert was attentive to Mary Grace's feelings, and he charmed Mary Grace and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Robert was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship. Very much like a kid himself, Robert identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Robert was blessed with one child, one son, Robert. Robert was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Robert’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Robert was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Robert could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was superintendent for commercial construction. He was employed for 35 years. Robert enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were collecting watches. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Because he liked to take risks, Robert was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. Robert was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and baseball. Robert was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Politically, Robert was a Republican. Robert held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member St. Clares Staten Island for 33 years and St. Joseph Husband of Mary in Las Vegas for 15 years. Travel and vacations were experiences that Robert truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Aruba and Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida. Robert was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Robert’s favorites was his childhood dog, Enie, a Husky and before he passed away, his beloved Chihuahuas, Sofie and Chloe. They were his best friends, Enie for 13 years, Sofie for 5 years and Chloe for 6 and a half years. His family was rounded out by his 2 Chihuahuas, Sofie and Chloe. Robert passed away on June 14, 2016 at Centennial Hills Hopital in Las Vegas, NV. He is survived by his wife, Mary Grace Amato; son, Robert Amato; brother, Joseph Amato; aunt, Barbara Amato; and cousins, Joanne Bertolini and Denise Amato Aversceno. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary. Robert was laid to rest in the arms of his loved ones. Robert was the kind of person who do anything for others, he always put himself last A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Robert had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Robert Amato.