MICHAEL ANTHONY D’AMATO, 86, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away
peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on March 2, 2007.
He was born August 19, 1920 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Michael attended Acushnet Avenue Elementary School and graduated from Technical High School in Springfield in 1939. He was employed by WICO Electric and badge #238 in the War Effort. Michael was Private 1st Class in the 104th Infantry of the Massachusetts Army National Guard for five years. He also served as a Drum Major for the Mt. Carmel Drum and Bugle Corps. On April 10, 1944 he married the love of his life, Elinor at Our Lady
of Mt. Carmel.
Michael graduated from Springfield Technical Community College in 1974 with
an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement. Michael was a Police Officer in Springfield
for 26 years, retiring with Badge #115 in 1976. Michael and his wife Elinor retired to
Port Charlotte in 1976. After retirement he was employed as a substitute shop teacher,
a cement finisher at the Promenades, paint store manager, driver’s license examiner and
was employed for ten years as a Charlotte County Circuit Court Courier. Michael was
a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #66 and served as Chaplain. He was a
former member of the Retired Law Enforcement Organization where he also served as
Chaplain and was a former member of the Elks and the Knight of Columbus. Michael
was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda where he served as an
usher for 31 years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Elinor D’Amato of Port Charlotte;
two daughters, Linda (Donald) Krawiec of Hampden, MA and Elaine D’Amato of
Omaha, NE; a son, George (Debrah) D’Amato of Jacksonville, FL; two brothers,
Gaetano (Tom) D’Amato of Springfield and Matthew D’Amato of East Longmeadow, MA; 5 grandchildren, Karin (Todd) Warren of Springfield, Amber D’Amato of New York, NY, Katie, Dan, and Joe D’Amato of Jacksonville, FL; 3 great grandchildren, Chelsea, Kaz and Marissa of Springfield; a niece, Joanne (Tom) Caterina and by
other numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Antonio and Francesca D’Amato, his brother, Savino and sister, Rosario. Michael’s family and friends will remember him for always being prepared, always being willing
to help and for the wonderful, entertaining stories he told.