Harry A. Amato, Sr.

Amato, Harry A. Sr., age 98, of Kettering, OH stole home on April 28, 2025 after a brief illness, living independently until that time. He was born on July 25, 1926, in Greenville, OH to Harry and Blanche Amato. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Mike, Laura Cligrow, and Bessie Jo Jasper; step-son John Bailey; and his wife of 31 years, Patricia Amato.

He is survived by his six children – Elaine Malott, Hank (Nancy) Amato, Susan Amato, Phil (Barb) Amato, Jeanine (Tom) Amato, and Steve Amato; stepdaughter, Dana Hayes; 16 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Harry was drafted to play baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates when he was 17. He played with the Pirates for a year before enlisting with the Merchant Marines during WWII. Upon his return, he played baseball in the farm league. In his off-season job, he connected with General Motors Frigidaire Division. At his job with Frigidaire, he supervised the construction and operation of Frigidaire Recreation Park. Harry was then offered a job as a foreman with Frigidaire, where he worked his way up to superintendent, over the period of 38 years. Upon “retirement”, Harry immediately took over the Recreation Association and coordinated recreation and sporting events for employees and retirees until he was 92 years old.

Harry loved to fish, play softball, golf, bowl, boat, and participate in the Softball Senior Olympics and Senior World Series… even up into his 80s!

Harry was truly one-of-a-kind. He will be missed dearly.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 5 from 3-5pm, with a funeral service to follow at Routsong Funeral Home Kettering. Please join us as we celebrate and honor Harry’s life.