The Amorose Family is very saddened to announce the death of our beloved Father and Grandfather John (Jack) Nicholas Amorose Sr. He peacefully passed away on October 26, 2022, at the Evansville Manor Nursing Home in Evansville Wi. Jack was the oldest son of Angelo and Madeline (Urbanec) Amorose (both deceased) and big brother to David Amorose Sr. He was born in Joliet, Illinois on October 16, 1938.
Jack graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1956 where he excelled as a prominent musician (Trumpet). Jack earned his Associate’s degree in Music from Joliet Junior College and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Music from Roosevelt University in Chicago Il. Jack began his teaching career at Tinley Park Junior High School and later at Romeoville Junior High School where he served as the Band Director for both schools. Jack taught in Illinois for many years before becoming the Band Director for the Blackhawk School District in South Wayne, Wi in 1980. Jack also coached the Blackhawk Junior High School basketball team where he was very successful at winning numerous Blackhawk Invitational tournaments. Commonly known as Mr. A or ‘the Maestro’, he was immensely proud of being a Music Teacher, basketball coach and absolutely loved being the best role model for the children he was teaching.
Jack’s first love was music and playing his trumpet for all to hear. He was a prolific trumpet player and was an understudy for Renold Schilke of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Jack’s love of music led him to organize the Men of Brass Drum and Bugle Corps while teaching at Romeoville Junior High School. Jack was also part of the National Champion Joliet American Legion Band from 1956 until he moved to Wisconsin in 1980. Jack went on to make several recordings and records throughout his career and later in his career he could be found playing his trumpet on Friday and Saturday evenings at Turner Hall in Monroe, Wi. Jack taught private lessons in Elkhorn Wi for over 15 years after retiring from the Blackhawk School District.
Jack was also a very talented golf player. Growing up next to a golf course, Jack and his brother David would often caddie on the weekends and during the summer. Jack participated in the annual Caddie Championship where he became the Caddie’s Champion for three consecutive years. Jack was also a member of the Joliet Junior College golf team where he would lead his team to win a National Championship. Later in life, Jack participated in the Badger State Games, finishing first in the over 65+ Senior Division. He absolutely loved playing golf and passing his knowledge of the game onto his children and grandchildren.
Jack was a very dedicated father and grandfather and loved his family very much. This was never so true as for eleven years while teaching in Joliet Il, he never missed a weekend to be with his family that lived in Wisconsin. Sunday was Jack’s day to cook Italian food and watch his beloved Chicago Bears with family and friends. In Jan 2016 he was fortunate to attend a Chicago Bears game with his family. Our Father always put in the extra effort for us children, he was always there taking us to sports practices, band recitals, caring for our every need, he never stopped loving us with all his heart. Although he has left us children and grandchildren behind, he will always be in our hearts and minds for the rest of their lives. A father like you is rare, one that’s so generous, smart and kind. A father like you is what everyone needs, full of smiles and laughter, always doing great deeds. Nothing can replace a father like you, but when you get to heaven, God will be lucky to have you! We love you, Dad and Grandpa A.
Jack is survived by his brother David Amorose Sr. of Joliet Illinois, daughters Kristine Amorose and Tracey Kamps of Argyle Wi, sons John Amorose Jr. of Eagle River Wi, Jeff (Alison) Amorose of Fredericksburg VA, and Sean (Tara) Amorose of Argyle Wi. Grandsons Nicholas Amorose of Eagle River Wi, Zachory Amorose of Monroe Wi, Christopher (Emily) Severson of Milwaukee Wi, Matthew (Tara) Amorose of Argyle Wi, Jacob Amorose of Philadelphia PA, and Samuel Amorose of Fredericksburg VA, Granddaughter Caitlynn Kamps of Madison Wi, and Great Granddaughter Vera Amorose of Argyle Wi.
Jack is proceeded in death by his daughter Kathryn Hess, former wife Joanne (Eddy) Amorose, mother and father Angelo and Madeline (Urbanec) Amorose, and daughter Karen Amorose.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled by the Amorose Family for a later date this summer.
A music scholarship fund has been set up to honor our Father’s legacy. Remembrances and condolences can be sent to the Amorose Family home: 1660 Old Hwy 81, Argyle Wi 53504.
