William D'Amato

William (Bill) D’Amato, 94 of Newton, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 30, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. He was born and raised in Long Branch, NJ, and also lived in Forest Hills, Queens; Peekskill, NY; Newburgh, NY; Elberon, NJ; and Oceanport, NJ. Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend.

Bill graduated from Long Branch High School in 1945 and served in the United States Army Air Corps from 1945 to 1947.  A gifted musician, he began playing the organ professionally at the age of 15 and studied music in Boston and New York City. Bill continued to play the organ professionally for 75 years, serving as the organist and choirmaster for St. James’ Episcopal Church in Long Branch, NJ; St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Peekskill, NY; St. George’s Episcopal Church in Newburgh, NY; St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Deal, NJ; and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Asbury Park, NJ. In addition to his church work, Bill was also employed for 10 years at Prudential in Newark and Iselin, NJ.

Bill met his wife, Dorothy May, at St. James Episcopal Church and wooed her by playing “Tea for Two” on the piano while she was working in the kitchen. They married in 1951 and were each other’s best friends throughout their 71 years of marriage. He and Dorothy enjoyed traveling across the United States and Canada via train and took many wonderful trips together to England.

Bill was immensely proud of his grandchildren, who all have cherished memories of time spent beside Pop Pop at his piano or making homemade ravioli together in his kitchen. And he adored his great-granddaughters, who always brought a smile to his face.

Bill is survived by his wife, Dorothy May (Wilson) D’Amato; his daughter, Margaret Tanko (son-in-law Robert) of Woolwich, ME; his son, Christopher D’Amato (daughter-in-law Susan) of Blairstown, NJ; his grandchildren, Jennifer Eburg, Stephanie Wertz, Nicholas D’Amato, and Anthony D’Amato; his great-granddaughters, Harper Eburg, Ella Wertz, Morgan D’Amato, and Dylan D’Amato; his cousin, Fred Buonnano; his nephews, John Quinn and Richard Fasano; and his niece, Carole Meeker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosildo (Charlie) and Elvira D’Amato; and his sisters, Josephine Fasano and Olga Warren.

Visitation will be held at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue in Long Branch on Tuesday, August 2 from 4-6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 1201 Asbury Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ on Wednesday, August 3 at 12pm. Interment will follow at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church or in support of any medical research. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence through the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

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