Anthony M. Amato

Uncle Tony, a hero of World War II, was the top gunner in a B-24 Liberator. He flew 49 bombing missions over “the Hump” in India to China. He sometimes said, “returning on a wing and a prayer.” Tony received the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with two Bronze Stars.

Anthony Amato was born to Theresa and Paul Amato on Sept. 18, 1920, in Jersey City, N.J., the fifth of seven children. He was preceded in death by his wife Marge; four brothers and one sister; two nephews, Joe Scuro Jr. and Ken Sovey Jr.; and niece Donna Henderson.

On Feb. 24, 1945, while on leave from the Army Air Force, he married Marjorie Hjerpe in Chicago. After his Army discharge, they lived in Chicago for a time they then moved to Denver. Tony was employed by Medline Industries as one of their first sales representatives and was with them his entire career. He received many awards and accolades from Medline and the hospitals he worked with.

When Tony retired, he and Marge built their retirement home on the Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes. They spent 40 some years there. When Aunt Marge died in December of 2009, Uncle Tony remained in their home until three years ago. He then moved to what he referred to as his “second home,” Evergreen Assisted Living. He referred to the caregivers as “like family.” Many thanks to them and to his doctor of many years, Steven Leonard.

Uncle Tony will be lovingly remembered as a “second father” to the Hjerpe Family. We spent every happy summer with him and Aunt Marge. Their home was always open to all of us. All our wonderful memories of Spread Eagle revolve around Aunt Marge and Uncle Tony. Our last celebration with Uncle Tony was for his 100th Birthday on Sept. 18 of 2020.

His nieces and nephews, Terry Ann (Ken) Sovey, Bobbi (Joe) Caccamisi, Chuck (Cindy) Hjerpe, Sue (Ed) Langford, and Steve (Karen) Hjerpe joined him at Evergreen Assisted Living. Even though we were separated by a window, there was singing, many gifts and of course a huge cake. Thanks to nephews Charles, Chuck, and great-nephew Greg Sovey, Tony was joined with the rest of his family by Zoom. He remarked with his great sense of humor, “Gee, you people look old!!!!” His sister, Philomena Scuro; nephews, Charles (Mary Jean) Marino, Vincent (Tina) Scuro, Andrew (Diane) Carrano, and nieces, Ursula Martin, Jeanie (Sonny) Idol, and Theresa Carrano all joined in the fun. He will also be remembered fondly by many great-nephews and nieces including, Greg and Brian Sovey; Stacey, Terry and Michael Hjerpe; Russ and Eric Graham; Kari and Chad Hendrickson; Ryan Langford, and Haley Hjerpe; and special friends, Richard and Joan Pataconi.

A celebration of Uncle Tony’s amazing long life will be held in July when his family hopefully can gather. Burial will take place in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.

Memorials in Tony’s memory will be welcomed by the World War II and Glider Museum, 300 Kent St., Iron Mountain, MI, 49801.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Tony’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iron Mountain to honor Tony’s legacy of life.