LANCASTER, SC ~ Mrs. Joan Agnes Gallagher Amato, age 88, passed away Friday, March 27, 2020 at MUSC Health Lancaster.  She was born December 31, 1931 in Newark, NJ, the daughter of the late William A. Gallagher and Rose Mary Koermaier Gallagher and was the wife of the late Cyrus H. Amato, Sr.  Mrs. Amato enjoyed painting, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, watching old movies, and reading.  Her family was her life and she loved all the times her family could gather together.

Mrs. Amato is survived by two sons, Cyrus H. Amato, Jr. (Ellen) of  New Jersey, and Tom Amato of California; four daughters, Kathy Amato of Pennsylvania, Gina Amato of Pennsylvania, Anne Amato of New Jersey, and Mary Atkinson (James) of Lancaster; fourteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and one on the way; and a sister, Mary Jo Jubon (Tom) of Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Amato was preceded in death by her husband, Cyrus Amato; a son, James W. Amato; her parents; and three sisters, Margaret Tischio, Claire Whelan, and Rose Marie Corbett.

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life Funeral Mass for Mrs. Amato due to the current restrictions at this time.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Catherine Catholic Church, 720 W. Meeting St., Lancaster, SC 29720.