Benjamin Bernheart Amato

Ben was born on February 27, 1932, in Galveston, Texas. From the very beginning, he possessed an incredible work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. At just 3 years old, he began shining shoes on a street corner in Galveston — a humble beginning that became part of the family’s treasured history. His original shoeshine box remains a cherished reminder of where his journey began.

Ben attended Texas Tech University for a semester and also proudly served a short term in the United States Navy.

In 1956, Ben opened his first grocery store, AMATO, beginning a long and successful entrepreneurial career. After his first store was destroyed by fire, Ben never gave up. While searching for a new location, he worked at the legendary Shamrock Hotel in downtown Houston before eventually opening another store and continuing to grow his businesses. Over the years, he expanded into residential and commercial real estate investments and, in 1990, fulfilled another dream by building KSTAR Country KVST from the ground up, creating a lasting legacy in broadcasting that continues today.

Above all else, Ben was devoted to his family and deeply loved by those who knew him. He was an incredible father, grandfather, businessman, mentor, and friend. He was an awesome dad who loved making memories with his family and always wanted everyone to experience the very best trips, adventures, and moments in life together. He expected excellence from those around him, but also led with loyalty, compassion, generosity, and forgiveness.

Ben had a larger-than-life personality, loved making people laugh, and was always the life of the party. Whether he was dancing, acting silly, telling jokes, fishing, or golfing, he brought energy and joy everywhere he went. To those closest to him, it was impossible to know whether he loved fishing or golf more.

His mother, Leona Christiansen, would jokingly tell him he took too much “I vitamin,” a phrase that became a treasured family memory and perfectly captured his charismatic personality and love of being the center of attention.

Ben became Catholic in his twenties and carried his faith with him throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Leona Christiansen; his father, Ben Amato; his dad, Abe Christiansen; and Former loving wife of his two lovely children Veronica Amato Young.

He is survived by his daughter, Christine M. Amato; son, David B. Amato; grandchildren Avery Amato Cusack and her husband Deven Cusack, Mia Amato, and Christian Amato; great grandson Kai Cusack; cousins Pamela Alexander, Denise Hollman, Billy Snipes Jr., and Rich Poth; Zeneyda Jones, whose care, kindness, and support meant so much to him; his beloved KSTAR family, whom he cared for deeply throughout the years; and many extended family members and lifelong friends.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his devoted caregivers, Billie and Dorothy, for the love, compassion, and around-the-clock care they provided to Ben during his final years.

Ben will be remembered for his unforgettable presence, his generosity, his humor, and the deep love he had for his family, friends, employees, and everyone fortunate enough to know him. One of his favorite sayings was, “Who’s watching the store?” and he rarely ended a conversation without saying “Ciao.”

His legacy, stories, laughter, and larger-than-life spirit will live on through all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384, US, on May 27, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384, US, on May 27, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.