01/21/2026
Carl Amato, 67, passed away peacefully in his home Jan 16th, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and quiet generosity. Born in New York, Carl held great pride that he went from Boy Scouts to Eagle Scouts. Carl made his way west and eventually settled here in Tehachapi in 1990, where he built a life rooted in kindness, humor, and devotion to family and animals.
Carl was known for his quick wit and remarkable memory. He jokingly referred to himself as the “keeper of useless information,” yet friends and loved ones knew that no detail was ever truly useless to Carl. If you couldn’t recall the name of an actor, a song, or an obscure film from decades past, Carl could — often complete with dates, co-stars, and trivia. His humor was sharp, gentle, and perfectly timed.
For 34 years, Carl shared a deep and loving partnership with his wife Karen also known the world over as Klew whom he met shortly after she moved to town. Their story began at the local office supply store, Witt’s where Carl worked as manager, and grew into a life filled with resilience, laughter, and mutual devotion through life’s many challenges. Ultimately opening their own business, The Spirited Bead & Klews Gallery 28 years ago.
Carl had an enormous heart for animals and nature. Together, he and his wife adopted many pets over the years, often welcoming senior animals or those who needed a loving home late in life. Their home — affectionately called the “Klew Carlton Resort and Spa for Geriatric Pets” — was a place of comfort, dignity, and love for countless dogs and cats. Carl never turned an animal away.
He is survived by his loving wife, Karen, Brother Paul Amato and family, daughters; Chelsey, Ashley, and his beloved grandsons, Kai and Kolton, who brought him great joy. Despite the distance, Carl cherished his time with them and made the long drive whenever he could, never hesitating to be present for the people he loved.
In keeping with Carl’s wishes, no services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers or cards, donations may be made in Carl’s name to Have a Heart, the local pet adoption organization that was so close to his heart.