Obituary: John Stephen D’Amato, 80, of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

Monday, April 25, 2022 John Stephen D’Amato longtime resident of Guilford passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family. Husband of Joyce (Harding) D’Amato. John was born in New York City on February 17, 1942, son of the late Gennaro D’Amato and Helen (Bourejy) D’Amato. Loving father of Cara (D’Amato) Dailey of Scottsdale, AZ. He is also survived by grandson Jonathan Dailey, Brother of Karen (D’Amato) Schultz (Richard), Niece Christina (Schultz) Carlson (Blaine) and nephew Gerald Schultz (Tina Marie). Great-niece Brigitte Schultz and Great-nephews Christian Carlson and Brandon Schultz.

A 1965 graduate of Tarkio College in Tarkio, Missouri, John majored in history, political science, and education. He then earned a M.A in political science from the University of Kansas in 1966 with a concentration in constitutional law and political theory. John also earned his sixth year equivalency degree and M.S. in Urban Studies (1986) from Southern Connecticut State University.

John taught social studies at Branford High School and was president of the Branford Education Association for 13 years. He remained an ardent advocate for children and teachers throughout his career and served as a Connecticut Education Association (CEA) Labor Rep for New London, Harford, and New Haven Counties prior to his retirement. He was active in implementing binding arbitration for teacher contracts and negotiating teacher’s health benefits. He was a fierce advocate and many teachers throughout Connecticut have benefitted from his advice and courage.

He was a passionate man and lived life to the fullest and enjoyed gardening, cooking, and classical music. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, an activist for teachers and children, and an incredible storyteller. His passing was at home surrounded by loved ones who held his hand and expressed their love as he made his way into his next adventure.

Friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, May 2 from 5 – 7 pm at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. Memorial services at the Guilford Funeral Home will be held on Tuesday, May 3 at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Yale New Haven Hospital Office of Development P.O. Box 1849 New Haven, CT 06508. Please designate Oncology Nursing Fund in the memo line.