Anthony Arthur Amato

Anthony Arthur Amato, 93, of Atlanta, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026.

Tony was born in the Bronx, New York, in June 1932 to Louise and Anthony Amato. Two years later, after the birth of his brother Peter, the family moved to Yonkers in Westchester County, where his parents resided for the rest of their lives.

Tony attended Mount St. Michael’s Academy in the Bronx, where he won the New York City High Hurdles Championship during his senior year. After graduating, he attended Syracuse University. During his freshman year, the Korean conflict began, and Tony, along with several friends, left school to join the armed services. He proudly served four years in the Strategic Air Command, where he was selected to train at the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan. There, he trained extensively so he could teach American pilots self-defense techniques.

Tony earned black belts in both judo and karate and enjoyed teaching others. He even appeared on the Merv Griffin Show in the 1960s to demonstrate his skills, at a time when martial arts were still new to many Americans.

After his military service, Tony returned to New York and graduated from New York University with a degree in business. He then pursued his Master’s degree in Urban Planning while working as a top Manhattan salesman for Emery Air Freight. Upon graduating, he moved to Atlanta to work for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he remained until his retirement in 1999.

In his seventies, Tony took up motorcycle riding again and maintained a painting studio at the original Goat Farm in west Atlanta. He had a deep love for the arts and culture, especially opera, the symphony, and gallery events.

Tony met his wife of 54 years, Carolyn Newman, in Atlanta. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his daughter, Brandy; his son, Robert, and daughter-in-law, Amy; and his beloved grandchildren, Charlotte and Brady. He is also survived by his brother, Peter, and sister-in-law, Ceta, along with their daughter, Elita.

Tony will be fondly remembered for his unique sense of humor and his joy in connecting with others. He treasured his family and always had a story or joke to share. He especially enjoyed Honduran Churchill cigars, a snifter of Spanish brandy, and a good scientific book.

Tony’s glass was not just half full, but overflowing. He remained positive throughout his life and requested to leave this world quietly and without fanfare—a wish that will be honored. He loved his pets and all creatures, wild and tame.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund or Lifeline Animal Project of Atlanta.