William (Billy) "Hippo" Amato's Obituary
William (Billy) “Hippo” Amato, 85, of North Syracuse, passed away Friday at home surrounded by his loving family. Billy was born on June 17, 1930 to Peter and Mary (Darpino) Amato on the Northside of Syracuse. He graduated from North High School in 1947 and played semi-pro football. Billy was a chef in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan. He married his wife Marie in 1953 and they were happily married until her death in 2012. Billy owned Brown’s Sport Shop and Liquor Fair. He was an avid fan of the New York Giants and SU sports. Billy was a longtime communicant and Holy Name Society Member at Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church.
He is predeceased by his parents, his loving wife, Marie (Colangelo) Amato, his brothers, George and Louis Amato and his sister-in-law, Mary Amato.
Billy is survived by his daughter, Marianne (Brian) Meigs, of Cicero, his son, Daniel (Terry) Amato of Iowa; four grandchildren, Natalie, Kristin, Nicholas, and Jason; his brother and sister-in-law, John and Patricia Amato, sister-in-law, Terry Amato, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Billy will also be missed by his beloved dog Marie.
Billy’s family would like to express a special “Thank You” to his extended caregivers, Jude, Theresa, Heather and Joe Scripa.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Billy’s life at 11:30 am in Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday, November 9, 2015 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. The Holy Name Society will recite its ritual at 3:30 pm on Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Billy’s name can be made to The American Heart Association, Alzheimer Association or St. Jude.
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