John D. Damato

DAMATO, JOHN D. - John D. Damato, 87, long-time resident of Stuart, FL, passed away peacefully in Keene, NH on May 9, 2021, with family by his side.

John is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Marilyn Damato (nee Reinhard); his two older sons, Michael (Beth) and Frank (Diana L.), his daughter, Diana, his youngest son, Robert (Joanne), and grandchildren, Dan, Laura, Alissa,Theresa, Kathrine, Dean, and Luke and great grandchildren, Savanna, Annalyssa, Hannah, Joanna, and Breanna. John was predeceased by his younger brother, Louis Damato (Roberta) and was uncle to Christine (Matt), Louis (Andrea), and Rachel and great uncle to Carter, Mackenzie, Adrian, Luca, and Violet.

John was born in Ruvo di Puglia, Italy, on January 28, 1934 to the late Giovanni and Francesca Damato. In 1946, following WWII, 12-year-old John and his mother immigrated to the United States to join his father, Giovanni. Although they attempted to come in 1940, they were prevented from doing so during the war.

Upon their arrival, the native Italian did not know the English language, yet taught himself to communicate in English while attending Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY. After completing high school, he served in the United States Army from July, 1954 to July, 1956 and graduated in 1961 from Manhattan College with an Electrical Engineering degree. 

He was then hired by IBM and worked in Poughkeepsie, NY as an Electrical Engineer for 30 years until his 1992 retirement. John’s love of engineering was evident throughout his house, with knots that could not be untied and indestructible shelving units firmly affixed to the walls. His family would tell you that his engineering efforts could withstand earthquakes.

He and Marilyn retired early in life and spent 26 years as residents of Stuart, FL, only recently moving nearer to family in New Hampshire.

Friends may visit the HAWTHORNE FUNERAL HOME, 21 West Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne NY on Sunday, May 16, from 2 to 6pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held at the Holy Name of Jesus Church on Monday, May 17 at 10:00am. Interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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