He had a heart of gold, and was beloved by family, friends, and co-workers alike.

Mention the name Sebastian “Sebby” Amico, and fond memories are certain to flow, a true testament to his character.

Sadly, Sebby, as he was known to all, passed away Jan. 28 after he lost his fight with COVID-19. He was 61.

Amico, of Walnutport, was a licensed Realtor in Pennsylvania for 33 years, the past eight of which were spent with RE/MAX Unlimited.

But, to those who knew Sebby on a personal level, he was much more than just a Realtor.

Co-workers react

Tim Heimbach, of RE/MAX Unlimited Real Estate in Whitehall, was a good friend.

Heimbach said, “He was in the hospital for a good week, and he just lost the battle.”

Marty Hacker, broker/owner of RE/MAX Unlimited Real Estate in Whitehall, said Amico had just received a clean bill of health a couple of weeks before he was hospitalized for the disease.

“Knowing Sebby as both Tim and I do, I’m sure he fought it as hard as he possibly could,” Hacker said. “Knowing Sebby, he probably did everything he possibly could as long as he could possibly fight this off.”

Chris Raad, broker/owner of Harvey Z. Raad Realtors in Allentown, also spoke highly of Amico.

“Sebby was the consummate professional,” Raad said. “And just an amazing human.”

A life of distinction

Hacker said Amico was recognized as one of the top agents on the board of the Greater Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors.

“He was recognized by the Veterans Affairs; he did a lot of work on assisting veterans on the selling and buying side of real estate transactions,” he said. “He was certified for that through the Veterans Affairs to assist veterans, and he did an excellent job on that.”

Hacker continued to heap praise on Amico.

“Sebby was a very, very strong supporter, volunteer, (who spent) countless hours every year for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots program here in the Lehigh Valley,” he said. “He probably was the single most active volunteer that we know in the Toys for Tots, both in helping to raise funds, and he used his truck to pick up toys, deliver toys.

“Whatever had to be done, and he did it without question. There wasn’t anyone to my knowledge here out of the office that supported it and gave more of themselves then Sebby.”

Hacker said Sebby especially made it a point to go out of his way for “the less fortunate, those that would have not have anything for the holidays.

“That’s the kind of guy he was,” he said. “He was giving of his heart.”

Hacker said he also loved to go fishing in Canada with friends and family several times a year.

“He was definitely part of our family here, and we miss him,” he said.

Family man

Heimbach said that Amico was a prominent Realtor who had dealings in the Northern Lehigh area, as well as Carbon County.

“He was a top-producing Realtor,” said Heimbach, who added that he was at another office with Amico before they came over to RE-MAX together. “He was beloved in the real estate community; he was truly beloved in his industry by all.”

He leaves behind a son, Steven; a daughter, Amy; and three granddaughters who Heimbach said “he just adored.”

Heimbach summed it up best when he described the traits Sebby best exemplified.

“A big heart, and a friend to all,” he said.