Raymond F. D'Amato

Raymond F. D'Amato, 88, died suddenly on November 16, 2016 in Boynton Beach, FL. Ray was born in West Haven on July 20, 1920 to the late Nicola and Giselda B. D'Amato. He was predeceased by his brothers, Andrew, of Port Richey, FL, and Angelo, of Clinton. Ray and his wife, Elizabeth 'Betty' Kelleher D'Amato, were married for 47 wonderful years. Besides his wife, he will be missed by his niece and nephew; Andrea (Bruce) Herrmann, of Port Richey, FL, and Nicholas (Tina) D'Amato, of Hamden, as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews; Bruce (Jamie) Herrmann, of Tampa, FL, Chris (Lily) D'Amato, of Bronx, NY, Nicholas D'Amato and Genevieve D'Amato, both of Hamden. Ray served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon completing his service, Ray attended the former New Haven Normal School, now SCSU. He began his teaching career in Hamden in 1988, retiring from the school system in 2006. Ray was a member of the Hamden Zoning Board of Appeals, and assisted with numerous local and national elections. He along with Betty were active members of Ascension Church, serving on the Church Council and assisting at many church social events and services. Ray also greatly enjoyed attending activities at the Hamden Senior Center. He and Betty spent the winter months of their retirement years in south Florida. Many thanks to their Florida friends, who were very supportive following Ray's passing. Friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 29th at Ascension Church, 1040 Dunbar Hill Rd., Hamden, concluded with Military Honors at the church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's memory may be sent to the Hamden Senior Citizen Services, 2901 Dixwell Ave., Hamden, CT 06518. Arrangements in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden.