Richard "Dick" Amato

Richard “Dick” Amato, 87, of Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026. He was born Richard Sylvester Amato on December 16, 1938, in New York, one of five sons of Sylvester and Elizabeth (Galle) Amato.

He grew up in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Sharon High School, Class of 1956. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Youngstown University, a Master of Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Master of Science in Nuclear Science and Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.

Dick resided in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania, and was employed at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory. He had a lifelong passion for running, finding both joy and discipline in the sport, and was proud to have competed and earned recognition at the national level. He was also recognized to be the first person to finish first at the national level for the Westinghouse team at the 1989 Corporate National Track Championships by running a 17:33 in the 5K over 50 event. He was an active member of the American Nuclear Society (ANS), contributing to the standards committee, and was a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three of his brothers, Dominic Amato, Jim Amato, and John Amato.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Patricia Mary (Rummel) Amato; their four children, Rich Amato, Ingrid Russell, Shaun Amato, and Ursula Amato; eight grandchildren and his remaining brother, Frank Amato.

Dick will be remembered for his quiet strength, strong work ethic, and devotion to his wife.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Please visit the Stephen D. Slater Funeral Home website for details: 1701 Route 51, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 (412-384-0350) www.stephendslater.com.