Charles “Chuck” M Amato

Charles “Chuck” M. Amato, 80, passed away on October 19, 2026.  He was born on June 26, 1946.

Chuck, a native of Easton, PA, was a standout linebacker and state championship wrestler. A 1964 graduate of Easton Area High School, he demonstrated immense discipline by dropping over thirty pounds from his football weight to capture the 165-pound Pennsylvania State Wrestling Championship his senior year. Chuck carried this championship pedigree to North Carolina State University, where he became a two-time ACC individual champion-dominating the Heavyweight division in 1966 and the 191-pound class in 1968. He concluded his collegiate wrestling career with two completely undefeated seasons!

Chuck went on to earn a football scholarship to North Carolina State University, where he played for the Wolfpack from 1965 to 1967. As a senior middle linebacker and defensive captain, Amato was the emotional leader and dynamic mastermind behind NC State’s legendary 1967 “White Shoes Defense.” He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education in 1969 and a Master’s degree in Education in 1973.

Amato went on to a long-time coaching career, beginning in 1971 as an graduate assistant at his alma mater, NC State. From 1971-1979, Amato coached under four head coaches at NC State, including Lou Holtz. From 1980-1981, Amato spent two seasons serving as the linebackers coach for the University of Arizona Wildcats.

A cornerstone of the Florida State University football program, Chuck served on legendary coach Bobby Bowden’s staff from 1982-1999, coaching defensive linemen and linebackers. Amato became known for recruiting with zero fear and molding raw, young, athletes into dominant, Sunday-ready defenders. He made a huge impact recruiting several outstanding players from South Florida–particularly Miami-Dade County. Under Amato’s fierce guidance, dozens of his FSU players went on to achieve their dreams in the NFL, a testament to the tough love, discipline, and belief he instilled in them. Amato was a coach who believed fiercely in his players, seeing far beyond their athletic talents to the depth of their hearts and souls. His natural leadership and dedication led to his appointment as Assistant Head Coach in 1986-a role he proudly held for over a decade, helping guide the Noles to two National Championships in 1993 and 1999.

In 2000, his journey circled back around when Chuck returned to his beloved alma mater, NC State University, to take the helm as head coach of the Wolfpack. Bringing his trademark, unmistakable energy aka “Amato” swagger, signature sunglasses, and his unwavering passion for the Pack, Chuck completely revitalized the program and its facilities.

Over his seven seasons in Raleigh he compiled 49 wins, led the team to five bowl appearances, and continued to mentor future NFL players. His historic 2002 season reached heights never before seen in the school history, opening with a 9-0 run and culminating in a monumental Gator Bowl victory over Notre Dame to finish with a program-record 11 wins.

After his historic chapter at NC State, Amato’s coaching career came full circle when he returned to Tallahassee. From 2007-2009, he walked the sidelines once again, reuniting with Coach Bobby Bowden. To Chuck, Bobby was a professional soulmate, a father figure, and a true partner in building a football dynasty.

Amato’s last coaching job was at the University of Akron from 2012 to 2017. Here he coached under Terry Bowden as Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. For Chuck, however, his greatest football achievements weren’t found in the record books, but in the deep brotherhood he shared with his players.

When he finally stepped away from the sidelines in 2018, he brought a legendary 45-year career to a close-leaving behind an unshakable legacy as a coach who never stopped loving and believing in his players.

While Chuck’s career took place under stadium lights and in front of thousands of fans, his greatest and most cherished victories were his family. For all his triumphs on the gridiron, nothing compared to the devotion and love he had for his wife, Peggy and their twin daughters, LuGina and Selena. Being a husband and father was the driving force behind all his passion for football. Chuck’s proud Italian, Catholic blood ran deep, anchoring his life in a deep loyalty to his family, a vibrant passion for living, and an enduring faith. He traded the coaching whistle for his one of a kind, deep and gentle embrace of a dad, instilling the same core values of heart, soul, and resilience that he gave to his players. Chuck’s heart expanded in size as his family grew with five grandsons-Sterling, Asher, Luciano “Luca,” Giovani, and Gabriel.

Between quiet moments at home, to his public moments on the football fields, Chuck’s legacy of strength, passion, heart, and soul will continue on. His genuine smile and that famous voice will be remembered by many on and off the football field. He was a man who truly gave all to all he loved!

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lucy (Amore) Amato; his brother, Rosario “Rosie” Amato; and his sister-in-law, Kay (Williams) Amato.  He is survived by his wife, Peggy Amato; his twin daughters, LuGina DeAngelis, (her husband, Richard, and their sons, Giovani, and Gabriel); and Selena Amato, (and her sons Sterling, Asher, and Luciano “Luca”).

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at The Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, 715 Nazareth Street, Raleigh, NC 27606.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Wolfpack Club Scholarship Fund to establish the “Chuck Amato” Scholarship. Donations can be sent to: Wolfpack Club, PO Box 37100, Raleigh, NC. 27607 Re: Memory of Chuck Amato

Arrangements for a service in Pennsylvania are pending and will be shared by the family once finalized.