Joseph R. Amato, 92, entered into eternal rest peacefully on Friday, September 6, 2024 at home. Born in West Springfield, son of the late Louis and Ida (Passerini) Amato, he was a graduate of Springfield Classical High School.  He then went on to American International College and  Westfield State College.  Joseph was an elementary school teacher in the South Hadley School System.  He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War.  Joe was a member of the West Springfield Unico Club and a communicant of the former St. Ann's Church in West Springfield and presently a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Feeding Hills.  He helped his father, brother-in-law and son working in family restaurants, including the former Blue Grotto in the six corners section of Springfield.  After his retirement as a school teacher, he worked part time at the Dominican Monastery in West Springfield and Sacred Heart rectory in Feeding Hills and enjoyed spending Wednesday nights in a bowling league. He leaves his wife of fifty-seven years, Janet M. (DeMarco) Amato, a son and his wife, Stephen A. and Valerie Amato of Agawam, four grandchildren, Anthony, Andrew, Alessandro and Angelina Amato,  three nephews, Louis, Michael, Joseph Latino, their wives Leslie, Pachelle, Christine and his great nieces and nephews, Nicholas, Anna, Luca, Luke, Audrey and Elaina Latino.  He was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Elaine Latino and Luke Latino.  Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 10am at Sacred Heart Church, 1061 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills followed by burial in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Calling hours will precede the Mass from 9:30 - 10am. For online condolences, please visit www.curranjones.com. We would like to extend a special Thank You to the nursing staff from Beacon Hospice.