Ron Amato (13 Mar 1933 - 10 Mar 2025)

In loving memory of Ron Amato who sadly passed away on 10th March 2025.

Ron was born on 13th March 1933. His story began with his Italian grandparents, who, at the dawn of the twentieth century, journeyed to East London, building a thriving family ice cream business. Twenty years later, Ron’s father, Terry, met and married Annie West in 1923.

Ron's childhood unfolded in Dagenham, alongside his elder sister Rose, where he proved to be a gifted student at Eastbrook Senior School. Yet, life was not without its hardships. The weight of the Great Depression, the upheaval of the War, and the profound loss of his mother in 1941, all left their mark.
In 1947, having left school at the age of fourteen, Ron began his working life in London's financial district, revealing an innate mastery of numbers. From humble beginnings as an office boy, to a respected position at the chartered accountants’ firm, Singleton, Fabian and Company; his ‘inclination for accounting’ was undeniably evident. Ron’s natural talent, it bears noting, was nurtured through countless hours engaged in spirited card games with his grandfather, a pastime that honed his analytical mind and strategic acumen.

The 1950s brought two life-altering events. At his cousin Maureen's birthday party, he met Pearl White, and it was love at first sight. However, Ron’s budding romance with Pearl was abruptly interrupted when he was needed for National Service in Egypt. He was assigned to 4 Company RASC’s Headquarters Platoon where his administrative and organisational skills were recognised, and he quickly became the right-hand man of Captain Cronshaw. Ron often recounted favourite stories and memories from these times, including when he would slip into Fayid with his chum Smudger to buy silk stockings for Pearl from the local traders; or when he taught himself to swim in the Nile and hold his breath underwater for longer than his comrades.

Upon his return, Ron and Pearl’s love continued, and they married in 1956, settling in Basildon. Pearl became his guiding star, providing strength and support through every chapter of their lives. Together, he and Pearl raised three children, a source of quiet pride; Pat, Linda, and David, his ‘…three good kids.’
Ron began his career at Marconi Wireless and Telegraph Company, where he steadily rose through the ranks in accounting, building a successful and respected career. He dedicated his professional life to Marconi, remaining there until his retirement in 1991. His financial acumen though continued to shine in retirement, as he established a family bank and managed investment portfolios, even holding annual board meetings with his family on Boxing Day!

Ron’s retirement was vibrant and full, filled with sports, games, and the joy of family. He loved cricket, football, ten-pin bowling, cards, Scrabble, and countless other pastimes. Notably, he and Pearl shared a deep passion for the Essex County Cricket Team and West Ham United, a bond that enriched their lives together. He also found joy in creating quizzes, writing poetry, and documenting his life in his memoirs ‘A Man or Two.’
Family was the heart of Ron's life. He cherished holidays and time spent with his grandchildren, his ‘three angels,’ Louise, Natalie, and Kirsty, and his five great-grandchildren, Harry, Noah, Thomas, Finlay, and Sophia. In his later years, and especially during his final months, his granddaughter Natalie provided unwavering care, supported by the family.

Ron, with his beloved Pearl by his side, lived a long and happy life, rich in experience and love. He faced life's challenges with quiet strength and found joy in its simple pleasures. Ron leaves behind a legacy of love and quiet determination, and his presence will forever be close in the hearts of his family and friends.