Robert “Rip” Amontea, age 76, passed away peacefully the morning of August 27, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Amontea of Hingham, MA, daughter, Deva Ruggiero, and her husband, Matt Ruggiero of North Providence, RI, son, Adam Amontea and his wife, Aja Amontea of Scituate, MA, and his beloved grandchildren, Rhys Amontea, Wren Amontea and Shay Ruggiero.

Robert was born on March 7, 1950, in Brooklyn, NY to Rocco and Natalina Amantea and had one older sister, Theresa. Their mother moved them to Hull, MA after the untimely passing of their father. Rip would often fondly recall his childhood on Nantasket Ave, working at the local surf shop, skipping school if the surf was up, catching smelts off the pier, bringing his friends back to the house for his mom’s Italian food, and day trips to Wellfleet in pursuit of catching the perfect wave. He graduated from Hull High in 1968 and had a desire to explore, which brought him to chase waves in California. Upon his return to the East Coast, he met the love of his life, Sheila Kaufman. Their romance led to a loving and devoted 52-year marriage that carried them through good times and bad. Their love and support never wavered.

Rip led a successful career in the restaurant industry. Throughout the years, he worked at several local restaurants and markets, eventually owning and operating a South Shore favorite, Amontea’s on North Street in Hingham, MA, the community where he and Sheila laid roots and raised their children. In his later years, he maintained his strong community roots and made lasting friendships as a team member at The Fruit Center Marketplace and then Previte’s Marketplace. Nothing made Rip happier than telling a good story, cooking for family and friends and above all, sharing how proud he was of his children and grandchildren.

Rip was predeceased by his parents, Rocco and Natale Amantea, sister, Theresa Caracciolo and her husband, Gino, of Hingham, MA, in-laws Philip and Helene Kaufman, of Hingham, MA, and brother in-law, Steven Kaufman, of Newburg, NY. Rip is further survived by his devoted nieces and nephews: Lisa Corrado, and her husband Frank, of Hingham, MA; Stephanie Olsen, and her husband Todd, of Rockland, MA; Francesca Corrado, Isabella Corrado, of Hingham, MA, and Natalie Olsen, of Rockland, MA, and his dog, Hamilton, who never left his side.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rip’s life by gathering for Visiting Hours in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald Street, Hingham, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.