The first time I met Rick, all I saw were his eyes! You could easily lose yourself in them, and I knew he was the guy I would marry! This all started at University of Michigan Medical Center, where we both worked - I was an RT at Mott's and he was a student RT at Main.

The next time I saw him was in the burn unit, and I really saw only his eyes,  he was in full isolation cover! We talked briefly while setting up the oxygen tent, then after seeing each other a few more times at work, we went on our first date. Not much of a date, he came to see me play softball, then we went out for pizza. That was June 19th, 1979. Soon we were together all the time!

Funny story: one time, his friend, Tim, stapled him to a gurney, where he had fallen asleep during his shift!  

The four brothers played hockey for years, which was very popular in our area. Youngest brother, Mark, was the best, according to Rick!

Funny story: Trish dated a guy who played in the same hockey league as Rick, and most likely saw him play! He was no longer playing when they met.

Rick was born to Vincent and Margaret Amato on April 21, 1956. It was a typical Italian family, living in the suburbs with aunts and uncles living close by. Rick was the oldest of four boys, the next one, Vince, being just 11 months younger! Apparently, the two of them were a handful! Perry and Mark were added in the years to come, and what one didn't think of doing, another did!

Rick grew up in St. Clair Shores, graduating from Lake Shore High School in 1974.