Francis Amato
Francis Amato
Francis “Frank” Amato was born November 20, 1946 in Bay Ridge Hospital, Brooklyn, New York. He was the first son of Matthew and Rose Amato. His sister, Carol Rasa was his older sibling and his brother, Paul Amato, was his younger sibling. He attended P.S. 152 elementary school, A. Hudde Junior High School, and Midwood High School in Brooklyn. Entering the Air Force after High School as a volunteer, Frank served two tours of duty in Vietnam where he loaded and unloaded aircraft. After returning home to Brooklyn, he attended Brooklyn College, met and married Clare (Breslin) Amato. Frank drove an ambulance and "Daily News" Delivery newspaper truck to support his growing family while he was in school. Subsequently, Frank graduated with a B.S. in education and did Master work at Brooklyn College. He taught in both the private and public systems in New York City. Later, Frank attended Long Island University Brooklyn Campus obtained his B.S. in nursing. Frank started his nursing career in Visiting Nurses Association progressing quickly to Medical Placement Advisor for a hospital and doctors. In 1981 Frank with his family - (then 3 Children) Clare, Matthew, and Francis Edward, and wife moved to Vero Beach, Florida. It became his permanent home and because of his combination of nursing, administrative, and teaching skills, the source of his life time career. Frank taught, administered and built the EMT - Paramedic Department at Indian River Community College. In 1990 Frank and Clare had their fourth child, Marysa. His Life was very simple and career changes were few. However Frank effected many lives with his dedication to family, to friend, to his church, to his community and always to his students. Frank died of cancer on March 31, 2002 after a yearlong battle with lung cancer that progressed to his spine. He never gave up, was never bitter and was only positive about his life and his contributions to his country, his community, his friends and his family.
