A funeral mass was offered Feb. 11 at St. Francis R.C. Church, Hoboken, for former Councilman Andrew J. Amato, a lifelong Hoboken resident. He passed away at Hoboken University Medical Center on Feb. 4.
A retired Hoboken city council member representing 4th Ward, he was a civic enthusiast for the city of Hoboken. He was the past acting director of public works and was appointed director of public works in 1977, retiring in 1981. He was confidential aide to Mayor Steve Cappiello from 1981 to 1983.
Elected 4th Ward Councilman, he served two terms under both the Pasculli and Russo Administrations. Andrew was a candidate for position of mayor twice, running unsuccessfully in 1993 and 1997. Andrew was very much an entrepreneur, owning Amato’s Cleaners on 1st and Madison streets, which he founded in 1946. He was responsible for the establishment of the H.O.P.E.S. antipoverty program which served all people in need throughout the city. He was an advocate and organizer for the “Save Connor’s School” in the 4th Ward where he was not only a council person but a neighbor, and respected confidant.
He is also remembered as the owner of Amato’s Sports in Hoboken and the West End Café Coffee Corner which he established in 1987 through 1993. Andrew was very proud to have been handed down the regular Democratic Organization from the late James Quinn a former Hudson County Clerk. He was also an owner and avid real estate entrepreneur in Hoboken. Around Hoboken, he was sometimes referred to as “The Master of the University of Life.”
Surviving are his wife Florence (Meresca); his son Andrew R. Jr.; two daughters, Jeannette Perez and her husband Gerardo, Mary Schelmety and her husband, Hoboken Police Officer Libon; a brother Michael Amato; his grandchildren, Hoboken Police Officer Andrew Perez, Gerard, Andrew III, Jason, Samantha, Andrea, and twins, Devin and Dylan. He was uncle to Mary Ann Rivera. He was predeceased by a brother Ralph. Services arranged by the Failla Memorial Home, Hoboken.