Steven P. Amaral

Steven Amaral of Johnston passed away unexpectedly on August 18th.

Steven was a lifelong mechanic and the proud owner of D and S Towing. He also proudly served his country as a Private First Class in the United States Army as an Indirect Fire Infantryman.

Steven was the son of the late Joseph and Barbara Amaral and the brother of the late John Amaral.

He was the devoted father of Daniele Amaral of North Carolina and Steven Amaral Jr. of Johnston, Rhode Island, and the beloved Papa of his granddaughter, Natalea Cotugno of Smithfield. He also leaves behind Michael Cotugno, Natalea’s father.

Steven is survived by his siblings, Cheryl Marino of Johnston; Joseph Amaral Jr. and his wife, Joanne, of Port St. Lucie, Florida; and Karen Amaral of East Greenwich. In addition to his immediate family, he leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, whom he loved very much.

The family would like to make special acknowledgment of Robert “Fruit” Ferranti, Steven’s best friend of 50 years, as well as his beloved Friday night crew of friends, with whom he treasured spending time. Steven had many of the same friends from childhood, and every Friday night they gathered to play high-low jack. Those friendships were a special and cherished part of his life.

Steven had a larger-than-life personality and made friends with everyone he came in contact with. To know Stevie was to love Stevie. He had a mischievous spirit that could turn an ordinary day into a story that would be told for years to come. There were always “Stevie shenanigans.” He knew how to have fun, make people laugh, and bring a little bit of chaos wherever he went. Those are the moments that will make him unforgettable.

Steven enjoyed many things in life, but the lake held a special place in his heart. He was happiest with a fishing rod in his hand, spending countless hours on the water with his buddies. He also enjoyed his Friday nights, trips to Twin River, and loved playing the numbers. His love for his animals was just as genuine and deep as the love he had for his family.

But above all else, Steven’s heart belonged to his children, Daniele and Steven, and his beloved granddaughter, Natalea. Being a Papa was one of the greatest joys of his life. Steven had a profound love for Natalea and never missed an opportunity to spend time with her. He cherished every moment they shared, and their bond was extraordinary—a love that will remain with her for the rest of her life.

The last day Stevie spent on the lake was with his granddaughter, after they attended their weekly Sunday Mass together. It was a moment that perfectly captured two of the things that meant so much to him: his faith, and being Papa to Natalea.

Beneath all the laughter and mischievousness was a heart that loved deeply. Steven welcomed family and friends with open arms and treasured the time he spent with the people he loved. His friendships went far beyond his Friday night crew; he had a way of making everyone he met feel like a friend.

Though his passing was unexpected, his impact was anything but. His family and friends will cherish the memories, laughter, stories, and “Stevie shenanigans” for the rest of their lives. The lake will never be the same without him—and the bass feel safer now than they ever did before.

As Stevie would say, “God bless.”

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 28th, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm at St. Thomas Church on Fruit Hill Avenue. He will be laid to rest at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Providence Animal Rescue League, 34 Elbow Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903.