GUILDERLAND – Donna Ryan Amato passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, November 26, 2011. She was born on June 27, 1954 in Albany to the late James E. and Jane E. Ryan.
Donna attended Guilderland High School and received her BA from D’Youville College and her Master’s from the College of St. Rose. She proudly taught special education at the Center for Disability Services followed by 17 years of teaching and nurturing first grade students at Guilderland Elementary School.
She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Peter Amato, and their two children Daniel (Amie) Amato and Matthew Amato and his girlfriend Kate Fox. She is also survived by her sister and closest friend Colleen Lewyckyj (John) and her brother James W. Ryan.
Donna’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Harold Burstein M.D. and Georgia Litsas (NP) of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Nina Lake and The Community Hospice of Albany, and Dr. James Craig and his staff.
A special thanks is extended to all Donna’s friends who continued to lift her spirits each and every day.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Tuesday morning at 9:30, and from there to Christ the King Church, 20 Sumpter Ave., Guilderland at 10:30. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Monday from 4-7 p.m. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather at 4:30 pm Monday in the funeral home for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. Donations in memory of Donna may be made to either the Center for Disability Services Attn: Pinewoods Residence at 314 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 or The Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205. To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the funeral home or church, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Click here to obtain directions to the church.
Cemetery located at 481 Route 9W, Glenmont, NY 12077 .
Joe LaVigna and Family
November 27, 2011 at 8:22 amCondolences from the LaVigna Family to the Amatos. Mrs. Amato was Joe’s first grade teacher and she was a fantastic and patient teacher. Mrs. Amato was so soft spoken – I was always impressed at how she had total control of her classroom without ever raising her voice.
Ellen and Jim Box
November 27, 2011 at 10:51 amOur heartfelt sympathies to your family. Donna’s kindness and love will be remembered always. Her spirit will be with us always.
Love,
Ellen and Jim
Nancy Letko Munson and Mary Letko Preska
November 27, 2011 at 12:42 pmPeter and family-
Our condolences on Donna’s passing.
Joan Coyle
November 27, 2011 at 7:30 pmDear Peter and immediate and extended Amato Family,
I was saddened to see the announcement of Donna’s death. Through the years, I had heard from Guilderland friends that she was a fine and well-loved teacher . Mom and I have not been in touch since she moved from Dillenbeck Drive and I have missed hearing about all of “You Boys”. I will remedy this.
Peter, you were such a delightful, young boy, I am sorry you have had this sorrow. My love and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Joan
Ed Elze
November 27, 2011 at 10:32 pmPete – My deepest sympathies to you and your family. While I didn’t have first hand experience, I had heard that Donna was a gifted and caring teacher. I first met Donna in 7th grade – we were in Mr. McCormick’s homeroom as well as in some other classes. I was fortunate to be in other classes with Donna throughout the years. Although it wasn’t apparent at the time that she would become a teacher, I’m not surprised because she was such a caring person. I hope that the memories of your years together will provide you with comfort during this difficult time.
Ed Elze
Krista Ruhl
November 28, 2011 at 9:10 amIt was a privilege to work with Donna at Guilderland Elementary. I had great respect for her and valued her advice as a mentor. My condolences to the entire Amato family.
giampaolo lai
November 28, 2011 at 1:52 pmciao matt ,spero tu ricordi alcune parole di italiano …perchè io sto dimenticando come scrivere in inglese. michelle mi ha detto del lutto che ha colpito te e la tua famiglia ,conobbi tua madre molti anni fa,ho presente il suo viso sereno e affabile ,tu eri molto piccolo ….ho avuto una bella impressione e tuttora a distanza di anni la ricordo ,ti auguro di portare il suo ricordo e insegnamento dentro di te per tutta la tua vita …..e lei ancora vivr per le persone a lei care ….condoglianze matt ,a te e ai tuoi cari giampaolo kevin veronica
(Hello Matt, I hope you remember some words of Italian … because I’m forgetting how to write in English. michelle told me of the grief that struck you and your family, I met your mother many years ago, I present her face serene and friendly, you were very young …. I had a good impression and still years later remember, we hope to bring her memory and learning within yourself for your whole life ….. and you still live by those dear to her …. matt condolences to you and your loved ones giampaolo kevin veronica)
Joanne & Jack Murphy
November 28, 2011 at 3:57 pmDear Peter and Family
It is with great sadness that we learn of Donna’s passing. She is now in a better place.
Joanne & Jack Murphy
Capobianco Family
November 28, 2011 at 5:09 pmOur deepest sympathy and prayers. Donna was a wonderful teacher. We feel grateful our son was able to benefit from her guidance, knowledge and care. She was much loved.
Sincerely,
Ann, John and Dan
The Katlan Family
November 28, 2011 at 6:56 pmWe want to offer our condolences to Mrs. Amato’s family. Both of our children were privileged to have had Mrs. Amato as their first grade teacher. Her warmth, her caring, and her love of both teaching and of children made her the “perfect” first grade teacher. Mrs. Amato will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our fond memories of our children’s first year in school are because of the nurturing and guidance she provided to her students and their parents. We were so lucky to have known Mrs. Amato.
With our deepest sympathy for your loss,
The Katlan Family
Michelle Burns
November 28, 2011 at 9:47 pmMy condolences to Peter, Daniel and Matthew for their terrible loss. I have fond memories of Donna from our childhood years when we were “best cousins” and I will always think of her as that happy, sensitive and thoughtful girl.
Ann Marie Lloyd
November 29, 2011 at 4:54 amPeter, Matthew and Daniel,
Please know that you are in our prayers. Donna was a wonderful friend and mother. I was very privileged to know and learn from her during our “co-op” years. Donna made a difference in many lives.
Sincerely,
Chuck and Ann Marie
Maria Frodyma
November 29, 2011 at 7:01 amHeartfelt condolences from the Oliver family.May god help the family through the loss of Donna .
Anne Dantz
November 30, 2011 at 8:02 amDear Pete,
I’m so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Anne Dantz
David Palmer
December 2, 2011 at 1:05 pmPete
You have my deepest sympathies at this time.
You were lucky to have found each other at such a young age.
With fond memories of you and Donna together,
Dave Palmer