On March 21, 2009, at 12:21 p.m., Valfred Jude Amato, age 74, departed this life and went home to be with his Father in Heaven. A lifelong native of Lutcher, Valfred was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Amato, his mother, Enola Landry Amato, his step-mother, Isabelle Rodrigue Amato, his brother, P. J. Amato, and his sister Ada Mae Guidry.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Valfred is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Betty, his children and grandchildren, Valerie Amato and Peggy Jane and Joshua, Craig and Dora Amato and Victoria and Donovan, Michele and Paul Gates and Marshall and Valyne, Lisa and Carl Gulino and Dominic and Carley, Joseph and Sandra Amato and Lindsay and Joseph and Carolyne and Clint LeBlanc and Luke and by his sister, Rosalie Heltz.

A successful businessman, Valfred was the founder and owner of Amato’s Refrigeration, which has served the citizens of Lutcher and the surrounding area for 40 years and is now proudly maintained and operated by his sons. In addition to his dedication to his business, Valfred was also a tireless community servant, serving on the board of directors of the St. James Bank, as a 3rd and 4th degree Knight of Columbus, as past-president of the Lions Club, as past-president of the LPG Hunting Club and as mayor of Lutcher from 1974 to 1978.

However, above all of his other accomplishments, Valfred valued most highly the deep and abiding relationships that he nurtured with both his family and friends throughout his life. To his family, he was a pillar of strength, a tireless provider and an unfailing source of love and encouragement. To his friends, he was a one-of-a-kind companion, a strong shoulder and an ever-present source of aid in times of need. The life of Valfred Amato was a life marked by strength, passion, generosity and great love, and it was these qualities that touched the lives of all who knew him and that will provide a lasting legacy to a great man.

Pallbearers are Joshua Hirschey, Donovan Amato, Marshall Gates, Dominic Gulino, Joseph Amato Jr., Jared Amato, David Heltz, Marty LeBlanc and Honorary pallbearer, Luke LeBlanc. Additional honorary pallbearers are the former members of the LPG Hunting Club.

Services were held on Tuesday, March 24, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulina. Entombment in the Church Mausoleum. To sign and view the family guest book, please visit www.roselynnfuneralhome.com.