Ballston Spa, NY -Salvatore Joseph Amato passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends on Sunday, January 15, 2012. Sal was born on October 19, 1928 in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Josephine and Michael Amato. He attended Cathedral High School in Brooklyn, NY and received his BA at Fordham University. Sal went on to Fordham Law School, where he received his Doctor of Law degree. He proudly served in the US Army, being honorably discharged in 1953 with the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Sal was a devout Catholic, and always involved in parish activities. At Saint Finbars parish in Brooklyn, he met his true love and soul mate, Cecelia Theresa Mohr. They were wed at Saint Finbars on November 3, 1951. In 1958, Sal and his family moved to the Albany, NY area, eventually settling in Guilderland. Always interested in public service, Sal served as a County Legislator from Guilderland, a Guilderland Town Board member, and Chairman of the Guilderland Zoning and Planning Boards. He retired from the NY State Department of Motor Vehicles in 1984 after 28 years of service. Sal greatly enjoyed opera, reading, the New York Football Giants, Saratoga Thoroughbred Racing, and picking long shot winners in the Kentucky Derby. Sal was very devoted to family. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Cecelia; their five sons, Michael and his wife Monica of Rutland Vermont, Peter and his beloved late wife Donna of Guilderland, Thomas and his wife Colleen of Saratoga Lake, Joseph of Glenville, John and his wife Mary Beth of Slingerlands; their 6 grandchildren, Daniel and his wife Amie of California, Matthew and his girlfriend Kate of California, Linda and her fianc Taiowa Waner of Kingston NY, Raymond of Glenville, Laura and Melissa of Slingerlands. He is also survived by his younger brother Michael and his wife Mary Lynn of Lakewood NJ, sister-in-law Madeline (Mohr) Leonardi of Swan Lake NY, brother- and sister-in-law Richard and Filomena Mohr of Paterson NJ, and several nieces and nephews. Sal was predeceased by his younger brother Primo, and childhood friend and brother-in-law Mario Leornardi. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7pm Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (584-5373). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30am Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 at St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Avenue. Burial will follow at 11:00am at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd., Schuylerville. Sals family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Wesley in Saratoga Springs, and a special thanks to the staff on Springs 4, for their loving care and compassion during Sals 5 year stay there. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.