Man Found Dead in Cleveland is from Strongsville

A man found lying near an SUV on West Clinton Avenue in Cleveland Jan. 14 has been identified as Marc Amato of Strongsville.

Amato, 50, had a gunshot wound to his head. A handgun was found next to him.

He was a former Marine and an active member of the Strongsville Rotary, said Dave Kolick of the Rotary Club. Kolick said his friend also volunteered on the financial committee for St. Joseph Church in Strongsville and helped transport veterans for Hanson House.

Amato was also a dedicated dad to his two daughters, who attend Strongsville High School, and served on the board of directors at Angel House Center for Art and Creative Life Change on Mill Hollow Lane.

Angel House has dedicated a musical performance scheduled for Jan. 26 to Amato. A news release said Amato loved music and was looking forward to hearing Kolick play his accordion that night. 

Amato is survived by daughters Alexandria and Adriana, as well as his former wife, Shelly.

Funeral services were Monday, Jan. 24 at St. Joseph Church in Strongsville. Visitation was Sunday at A. Ripepi & Sons Funeral Home, 18149 Bagley Rd. in Middleburg Heights.

Details of the incident, which is still under investigation by Cleveland police, have not been released. A witness called police about 11:40 p.m. Jan. 14 after she saw a man's body on the ground.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The coroner's office has not yet made a ruling on the death.