Andrew Edward Amato

Andrew (Andy) Amato died on Father’s Day June 21, 2026 in St Clair Shores, MI. He was born in Detroit, MI on August 16, 1929 to Joseph and Josephine (Ferrante). Andy was beloved husband of Sarah "Serafina" for 75 years. He was a loving father of Dan (Bettina) Amato, Rick (Sharon) Amato, Andrea Amato, and Thomas (JoMarie) Amato. Proud and devoted grandfather of Danielle Amato and her husband Matthew McCowan, Andrew Amato, Elise Amato and her husband Eli Guttenbeil, Drew Amato and his wife Patrina, Gabi Amato, Nicholas Amato, Melana Amato, Patrick Amato and his late wife Devon Reich, and Sean Amato. Andy was blessed and truly loved visiting with his great grandchildren: Rocco, Olive, Thomas, Salvatore, and Lilliana. He was a dear brother of predeceased brothers Joe and Gasper and beloved sister Connie (Bill) Meadlock.

Andy grew up in Detroit and from an early age played and mastered the accordion. At the young age of 15 he played his first gig (earning a whopping $0.25/hr. paycheck). He didn’t look back and continued playing and performing his entire life. From 1951 – 1956 he served his country in the US Army and played and performed with the 4th Army Band and was stationed in San Antonio Texas. After the military service, he continued his career playing throughout the Detroit area. He was a proud member of the Detroit Musicians Union for over 75 years. Andy was thrilled to have guest appearances with the Detroit Symphony, local TV shows, the Gaylords and with Motown Records. During the 80’s and 90’s he led the Gale and Rice musical group “The Singing Dolls” that performed throughout the Detroit area and nationally.

From 1960 to 1992 Andy opened operated Amato Music Store in Detroit where he sold instruments and accessories, sheet music, and taught musical lessons to hundreds of eager and appreciative students in the “8 Mile” area.

Andy loved playing cards and going to the casino. Andy played baseball and basketball for St Phillips High School, loved playing ping pong, and was an avid Tigers and Lions fan. After retiring, Andy loved going to Kissimmee, FL where he and Sarah and their friends and family played cards and swam in the pool all day before catching the “early bird” specials. For many years, he led and traveled with groups that headed to casinos around the Midwest and organized card games at the senior center.

There will be a Visitation on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 2:00pm – 4:30pm with a Prayer Service from 4:30pm until 5:15pm both at A.H. Peters, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236.