Gerald Amato

Gerald Amato, age 81, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on May 12, 2023. He was born the baby of the family on January 16, 1942, in the Bronx, New York to the late Alfonse and Maria Rose Amato. He is preceded in death by his brothers Ray, Frank, and Toni. He is survived by his elder sister, Margaret Sapienza, of San Francisco, California.

After graduating high school, Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961. He served honorably for 20 years. During the Vietnam War, Jerry met the love of his life, Lamun, on his first tour to Thailand. Requesting to return to Thailand two more times, Jerry and Lamun married in 1975. Returning stateside, Jerry finished his Air Force career at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio in 1981. Upon retirement, Jerry continued as an Air Force Civilian until his second retirement in 2001.

In 2007, Jerry and Lamun opened Baan Thai Noi, a Thai food stall in the 2nd Street Market near Downtown Dayton. Jerry enjoyed chatting with regulars and visitors over the years, serving up some of the best Thai food in the area.

Those that miss him dearly include his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Lamun; daughters Norine (James) Felder and Carol Amato; grandson, Miles; brothers and sisters in law: Tom and Sanguan Hammel, Rich and Saengchan Morris; and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on a later date. Please check back for date and time.

To share a memory of Gerald, or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.