Michael A. Plato (Mike); longtime Amherst resident died April 29, 2022 at home with his wife Karen by his side.Mike worked more than 31 years at Republic Steel in the Rolling Mill. After his retirement, he worked 3 summers for the city of Amherst in the street department, police station, and parks department.His true passion was cars-mostly muscle cars. He organized a very successful car cruise-in every Sunday at the Amherst Plaza for a few years, last one being summer of 2001.People would later ask him when he was going to do it again. His collection of die-cast cars are all neatly lined up on display throughout the house. He was a Norwalk Raceway frequent visitor, car cruise-in enthusiast, a member of Skyler's Car Club of Lorain, past member of Lake Erie Classic Car Club. He, also, loved to go to garage and estate sales, they lost one good customer. Mike was an avid volunteer as a church usher, Christmas decorator, and mower at St. Joseph Cemetery. He faithfully visited whomever he knew was ill. Mike will be deeply missed by his "soulmate", wife Karen (nee Kompare).Survivors along with his wife include his sisters: Joyce Garn (Gerald Rehoreg, deceased), Geralyn "Gerri" (David) Rice, Michelle "Shelley" (Mike Donoughe); brothers: Erik (Judy), and Martin (Becky); and Brother-in-Law, Robert Kompare and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, Mort Albert and Frances (O'Brien) Plato;brother, Paul Plato; parents-in-Law, John (Scottie) and Anne (Kuzak) Coyle and sister-in-Law, Jacquee King.Public visitation will be held Monday, May 2, 2022 from 10:00 until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11: 00 am at St. Joseph Church in Amherst. Rebroadcasting of services will be available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com. The Rev. Fr. Timothy O'Connor, pastor of St. Joseph Church will officiate. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain.The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph Church.Please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com

Published by The Morning Journal from Apr. 30 to May 1, 2022.