Theodore J. "Ted" Amato

of Leominster, decorated U.S. Marine vet; 61

LEOMINSTER -- Theodore "Ted" J. Amato, 61 years old, died Tuesday morning, October 12, 2010, in his home in Leominster, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by his daughter and caregiver, Kristina H. Caridi and her husband, Dominick of Leominster; a son, Thomas W. Amato and his wife, Cathleen of The Woodlands, Texas; his mother, Helen (Carlsen) Amato Lazarek of Staten Island, New York; a sister, Patricia DeMattis, also of Staten Island; three grandchildren: Christopher and Anna Caridi, and Adrianna Amato, Ted's longtime friend Robert "Uncle Bob" Reilly, and many nieces and nephews.

Ted was predeceased by his wife, Joanne C. (LaMountain) Amato in April of this year, and a brother, Joe Amato in 2003.

Ted was born In Brooklyn, New York on April 13, 1949, the son of Salvatore and Helen (Carlsen) Amato and had lived in Leominster for the past 33 years.

He served his country as a U.S. Marine with Hotel Co. 233, during the Vietnam War (1967-68) and later in the Army. Ted was the recipient of two Purple Heart Medals during his two tours in Vietnam. Ted loved the Marines which inspired him to start the first area chapter of the Marine Corp League now known as the North Central Detachment #1076, which he served for a time as the chapter's Vice Commandant. Over the years, Ted had been a regular visitor at the Veterans' Center here in Leominster and enjoyed working with other veterans making sure they were up to date with their Veterans' benefits. As an active Veteran in the area, Ted also participated in the "Adopt a Vet" program sponsored by Crocker Elementary School in Fitchburg.

For over 20 years, Ted enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball at Leominster National Field, and also for several years coached in the Leominster Babe Ruth program. In 1986, Ted received two associates degrees from Mount Wachusett Community College.

For many years, Ted worked for the City of Leominster Health Department, as an inspector. Also many years ago, as a civilian, he worked at the former Cutler Hospital on Fort Devens as an EMT and ambulance supervisor.

AMATO -- Services will be held on Monday, October 18, 2010, from the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster, with a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Leo's Church, 128 Main St., Leominster. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Mass. Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon, MA. Calling hours are on Sunday, October 17, 3-7 p.m. in the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted, or in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either: Leominster National Little League, Arlington Street, Leominster, MA 01453 or American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. www.richardsonfuneralhome.net