Paul Thomas Amenta, Sr., age 75, of Grant, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 11, 2019 in the emergency room at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.  The son of Leonard & Gertrude Ella (Caplick) Amenta, he was born on January 6, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois.  

On October 8, 1966, in Hammond, Indiana, he married Patricia Marie Evanoff and then proudly served in the United States Army.  Paul was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam war and was awarded the National Defense Service medal, the Vietnam Service medal, the Vietnam Campaign medal, and the Army Commendation medal  —  which is awarded for acts of heroism or meritorious service.

After returning home, he earned a bachelors degree in engineering and retired from Dematic Corpration where he worked as a mechanical engineer.  He enjoyed restoring vintage hot rod vehicles, traveling to car shows, working in his large garden, playing pool with his friends and grandchildren, attending the First Baptist Church of Newaygo, inventing and building, and was passionate about all animals.  

He was preceded in death by his parents.  Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Pat Amenta of Grant;  their children, Paul & Laura Amenta of Grand Rapids,  Tony Amenta & Carrie Schultz, Matthew Amenta, all of Grant, Amy & David Samo of Chicago, Illinois;  his grandchildren, Lia Amenta of Grand Rapids, Anthony Amenta of Grant, and Izel Samo and Izek Samo, both of Chicago, Illinois;  a sister,  Karen Ray;  and two nieces, Lisa Armintrout and Piper Hanson.

Honoring his wishes, an intimate gathering of family and friends memorial will be held in the near future.  To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Paul's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit:  www.ChristiansenCares.com  Arrangements were entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care – Greenville, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.