William J. Amato, 88, of Sparta

William J. Amato, 88, of Sparta, died Saturday, March 28, at the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon Township.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Amato lived in Shirley, New York, before moving to Sparta in 1997.

He was a United States Army Air Force veteran. Amato was employed at Home Life Insurance before his retirement and had previously worked at H.C. Bohack Co.

The son of the late Carlo and Angela Amato, Amato was predeceased by his wife, Esther Amato, in 1987.

He is survived by two children, Helen Werlinitsch and husband, Steve, of Plainview, of New York, and William Amato, Jr. and wife, Josephine, of Sparta; five grandchildren, William Amato of Sparta, Vincent Amato of Sparta, Kristin Perricelli of Massapequa Park, Long Island, New York, Anthony Amato of Sparta, and Amanda Estrada of Franklin; and three great-grandchildren, Luke Perricelli, Gianni Perricelli, and Michael Amato.

Graveside services were held April 1, at PineLawn Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York. Visitation was held March 31 with a Prayer Service at 8:30 p.m., at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton.

Memorial donations may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave. Newton NJ 07860.

Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.