Obituary: Nicholas “Nick” Amatulli

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Nicholas “Nick” Amatulli

With heavy hearts and loving memories, we announce the passing of Nicholas “Nick” Amatulli, who entered eternal rest on October 26, 2026, at the age of 66, following a brief illness.

Born on February 27, 1960, Nick lived a life filled with love, learning, laughter, and a lifelong passion for sports, especially baseball. He believed in the value of education, the importance of family, and the joy of sharing his knowledge and talents with others.

Nick’s love of learning took him from Oswego State University, where he earned his Undergraduate degree, to Syracuse University, where he pursued his Master’s degree in Spanish. His education also included an unforgettable year studying abroad at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain.

He dedicated much of his professional life to education, teaching Spanish in the Newark, New York, school district before serving as Athletic Director. His passion for mentoring young people extended well beyond the classroom and onto the baseball field, where he shared his knowledge, enthusiasm, and love of the game at Newark High School, Finger Lakes Community College, Joliet Junior College and the Five Star Great Lakes Travel Baseball in Crown Point, Indiana.
An active member of the American Italian Cultural Society Crest Hill, Illinois

Above all, Nick’s greatest blessings were his family and the memories they created together. His life was a beautiful reflection of the relationships he cherished, the young lives he influenced, and the love he shared so generously.

Nick leaves behind his beloved wife, Marijo (Abate) Amatulli of Plainfield, Il; his step-children, Toni (Mathew) Matouk of Plainfield, Il, Talia (Kevin) Cox of La Grange Park, Il, and Geno (Giavanna) Persico of Albuquerque, NM; his sister, Donna (Anthony) Favia of Munster, IN, and his brother, John Amatulli of Scottsdale, AZ. Also lovingly remembered by his nieces, Alexa Amatulli of Valparaiso, IN, and Lauren Amatulli of Oswego, Il; nephew, Marco Amatulli of Chicago, Il; sister in-law Sandy (Abate) Whitgrove and several other cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Saverio Amatulli and Asunta (Russo) Amatulli, and his in-laws, Alfred and Lea Anne Abate.

Though his time with us was far too short, Nick leaves behind a lifetime of memories, lessons, laughter, and love. His legacy lives on in his family, his friends, and the countless young people whose lives he touched.

Rest peacefully, Nick. Your final inning may have come, but your love and legacy will live on forever.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Nick’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Funeral Services for Nicholas Amatulli will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026 from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Ave, Shorewood, IL, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. A Memorial Gathering will be held at the funeral home chapel on Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Per his request, cremation rites have been accorded.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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