Richard E. D'Amico, loving father of four and beloved husband, brother, grandfather and friend, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023. He was 78.
Born in New York City, Rich was the son of Santo and Frances D'Amico. Raised on the lower east side of Manhattan, he began his career as an apprentice for a print shop, and so attended high school in New York City to focus on that trade.
Following graduation, Rich became a Journeyman Lithographer with Local Union 1, and advanced through the trade to the position of Vice President. While he became extremely knowledgeable and skilled in printing, he truly shined as an advocate for the many men in the Union, fighting to obtain benefits for those in need of sick and disability pay.
After being set up by neighborhood friends, Rich married Linda Sharaba in 1968. The couple first settled in Lodi before moving to Pequannock in 1972, where they would raise their four children.
Faith was always a central part of Rich's life, and he was a longtime parishioner of Holy Spirit RC Church in Pequannock. He loved to be surrounded by family, and looked forward to each holiday because it meant that the family would be brought together. Rich had a contagious laugh, and he was always happy and able to crack a quick joke to keep the mood light.
He was a longtime sports fan, and loved cheering on the NY Yankees and the Giants, but no pastime could compare to his love of food. As his children joke, he'd roll out of bed in the morning and ask, "What's for supper?"
Rich's love of life, his love of family, and his beautiful spirit will live on in those that loved him most. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Richard A. D'Amico and his wife Mary, Jason E. D'Amico, Jimmy D'Amico and his wife Deb, and Linda Rose D'Amico; his brothers, Joseph D'Amico and his wife Margaret; his sister, Barbara Gambino and her husband Anthony; his siblings-in-law, Vince & Rosemary Giorgi, Linda Sharaba and Mary Jane Choi; and his grandchildren, Steven and Sarah; as well as many nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his siblings, Salvatore D'Amico and his wife Mary, Grace D'Amico, Annette Scifo and her husband Joseph, Gloria Petino and her husband George, Gloria D'Amico, and Anthony D'Amico; and his brother-in-law, James Sharaba.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday from 4-8 pm at the funeral home. A funeral Mass will be held 10:30 am Thursday at Holy Spirit RC Church, Pequannock. Entombment will follow at Our Lady of Magnificat Cemetery, Kinnelon.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rich's memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital would be greatly appreciated by his family.