George Stephen Amato's Obituary
George Stephen Amato, was born on December 26th, 1929, in East Providence, Rhode Island and passed peacefully in Spring Hill, Florida, on August 5th, 2025, while listening to “Amazing Grace”, sung by his daughters. He was 95 years old.
His celebration of life service will be held on September 6th, 2025, at Grace Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, located at 16931, U.S. 19, Hudson, FL, 34667. Flowers can also be sent to this address.
George was a faithful Catholic. He loved Jesus and God’s Holy Word, and going to church! He also played piano for the Catholic and Baptist Church services at the facility he lived in later in his life. He raised his children to know about the Trinity, (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), through the Bible and prayer and to attend church.
George Stephen Amato is survived by his five children: Deborah Ricciardelli, Stephen Amato, Lori Bugliaro, Susan Amato, and Catherine Williams. He had seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. He was also a widower of two wives, Barbara L. Malenfant, and Janet Donges.
George attended East Providence High School and graduated in 1948, and then joined the U.S. Air Force Band, and traveled with the USO, around the world until 1952. He attended Rhode Island College of Providence RI, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, in 1955. He also met and married his first wife, Barbara L. Malenfant, at college who was also studying music and education.
George went on to become the music teacher and director of the elementary schools in Warwick, Rhode Island. He wrote and directed compositions for various instruments and conducted the orchestras. He was a member of the local Musicians Union, #198, until 1986. He lived in Rhode Island, then moved to Florida during the 1980’s.
George loved playing and teaching piano! He began playing at four years old and even performed at a local radio station. He grew up in a musical family household. Music was his life! During his life he performed with many bands and groups. One of the groups was the “Conti Band.” He played piano with this band for many years, performing at special events and functions.
As a family man, George worked many years at three jobs. He was a teacher, performer and also a well-known piano tuner and repairer.
George composed over 250 original piano music compositions and songs! All of them had a story and personal meaning to him.
Later in life he met Janet Donges, his second wife while playing piano for a church choir. She also loved music.
Everyone who met George would usually have a moment of laughter! He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh! And he did! Even his doctors and hospice team loved being with him, and of course, his family and friends!
There is so much more that could be shared but as George always said, “To make a long story short,” we will conclude with this: George Stephen Amato was an amazing man! Loving, kind, thoughtful, fun, forgiving; a giver of love and laughter!
He touched many lives and will truly be missed!
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