Thomas Vincent Damico, 77, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Thomas was born April 3, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Brentwood High School where he played varsity football. He never forgot how during an award ceremony his coach named him the original Italian Beatle.

After high school Thomas went to work as a coal miner. He earned the position of mine foreman, and in 1977 was awarded the Carnagie Medal of Honor for his rescue and recovery of a fellow miner after a cave-in. He loved working with his “brothers” in the mine and often reminisced that it was one of the best times of his life.

He was always there to support his son Jeffrey and his daughter Jennifer at their many sporting events. He was a volunteer coach and umpire for little league, as well as coaching and refereeing recreational basketball. When he wasn’t coaching (or calling his daughter out on strikes in little league games) he could easily be heard cheering in the stands.

In 1989 Thomas moved to Port Charlotte, Florida, where he started a lawn care business. He enjoyed working outside in the Florida sunshine, a far cry from the underground mines of Pennsylvania.

Occasionally he could be talked into travelling to Las Vegas or on Caribbean cruises with his wife, Patricia, but he most enjoyed being at home in his favorite chair watching television. He was a lifelong tinkerer and would pick up broken bicycles from the side of the road so he could repair them. After making sure everything was in working order he would donate the bikes to charity. He was also an avid thrifter and collector of things. He amassed quite a collection of hats of all styles, remote-controlled cars and pens, just to name a few.

He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Damico. Survivors include son Jeffrey (Jill) Damico and daughter Jennifer (Scott) Wadsworth of Port Charlotte. Grandchildren Julia and Joel Damico; Davin, Tyler and Peighton Wadsworth. Brother Gilbert Damico of Pennsylvania and Brother-in-law Phillip Turner of Georgia.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family.  Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.