P.J. Amato

AMATO P.J. AMATO Lutcher Fire Chief P.J. Amato, Fire Chief for the Town of Lutcher, LA and former Mayor Pro-Tem, died Friday, August 24, 2007 of complications from his battle with cancer. He was 74. Beloved husband of Carol Poche Amato for the past 45 years. P.J. proudly served in the Lutcher Fire Department for the past 54 years, 43 of those years as Fire Chief. He was answering the call up until his death. In addition to his service to the fire department, he also served as President of the St. James Firemen's Association since its inception. A native of Lutcher, P.J. served as Mayor-Pro Tem for the Town of Lutcher, succeeding his father, Joe on the Town Council. A Korean War Army Veteran and member of the VFW Post 5852, he held many positions within the VFW, the most recent, leading the Veterans in the Honor Guard for fallen comrades. A retiree of Kaiser Aluminum, Gramercy Plant after 41 years, P.J. filled his retirement years by doting on his 9 grandchildren and helping the numerous benefit dinners that went to special causes in the local community, especially the St. Joseph's Altar. Dedicated to physical fitness, P. J. could always be seen around town on his bicycle. As his 5 children grew up, it was common to see P.J. involved in their numerous activities. From Boy Scouts to Little League Baseball to Lutcher QB Club to St. Peter Chanel School, the list was long. A Parishioner with St. Joseph's Church, P.J. was faithful to the Lord, serving as a Lector and in the Choir for many years. P.J. was preceded in death by his infant twin daughters; parents, Joseph and Enola Landry Amato; and his stepmother, Isabelle Amato. Survivors include: his wife, Carol Poche Amato; four sons and daughters-in law: Jason and Nancy Ordoyne Amato, Jared and Patti Poirrier Amato, Walt and Rachael Lambert Amato and John and Angela Montgomery Amato; one son-in-law and daughter, Michael and Paula Amato Poche; and nine grandchildren: Randi, Madisen, Coy, Shea, Rayni, Cameron, Sara, Alexandra, and Elisabeth. Also survived by one brother, Valfred Amato, and two sisters: Rosalie Heltz and Ada Mae Guidry. Visitation will be held at the K.C. Home, Main Street, in Lutcher, LA on Monday, August 27, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Tuesday, August 28th from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, River Road, Paulina.