Richard Gregory Amato

He was born on March 26, 1953, to Richard Greco and Bette Landers in Elgin, Illinois. He was raised by Bette and Joe Amato (who adopted Richard) between Illinois and Tucson, Arizona, graduating from Barrington High School in Barrington, Illinois. He then attended University of Illinois, and earned his certification in electrical engineering. He married Corinne Weger (who he later divorced), and together they raised 2 children. Richard lived in Illinois until 1993, when he settled in Arizona. He later reconnected with Patricia Ann Tremmel in 2012, and they married in October of 2013. He was an electrician, then later a chief estimator for Sturgeon Electric. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing with his grandkids, loved anything Disney (especially going to Disneyland), bird watching, boating, cooking, loved to work out in the garden with Patti, loved being outdoors and loved life. He taught electrical apprentices in classes with NECA, being especially proud of that. He was also a Scoutmaster and an adult leader.

Richard is survived by his wife Patti, daughter Amy Johnson (Jack), Brian Amato (fiancée Theresa Gburek), step sons Justin Brown and Phillip Brown (Ashley); grandchildren Sydney, Carter, Grady; father Richard Greco, mother Bette Amato; sister Angele Amato, brothers Jim Amato, Jon Amato; numerous nieces and nephews and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Amato and step father Joe Amato.

For those attending the services, the family asks that everyone dress in happy clothes. Viewing/ visitation will be held on Monday, March 28, from 5-8 pm at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park. Funeral service will be held at Red Mountain United Methodist Church, 2936 N Power Rd., Mesa, AZ, on Tuesday, March 29, at 11am. Interment will follow at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to Make a Wish foundation, www.wish.org/donate