Theodore Joseph D'Amico

D'AMICO, Theodore Joseph


Born on May 16, 1935 in Sacramento, CA, where he lived with his parents, Joseph and Rosina D'Amico & brother Daniel. Ted excelled in both academics and athletics throughout grade school, high school and college. He graduated from McClatchy High School in 1953. During his high school years he made All-City in basketball as well as being on the varsity football team. Ted went on to graduate from the University of California at Berkeley with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering and was a livelong Cal Bears fan. Upon graduating from college, Ted joined the U.S. Army and served as a teacher in the Education Center at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He began his career in 1960 at the Spink Corporation, becoming an associate and Registered Engineer in 1964. He became a principal in the company in 1969 and served as Executive Vice President for 18 years. He ended a 40-year career and retired as President and CEO of the Spink Corporation in 2000. One of his most memorable accomplishments was being the chief designer of the Guy West Bridge at California State University-Sacramento. During his career at the Spink Corporation, he was instrumental in changing the firm into a multidisciplinary firm including architectural, landscape, mechanical, electrical and structural engineering. The Spink Corporation was an integral part of the development of Sacramento.

Ted D'Amico died very suddenly on August 5, 2006 on a much- anticipated trip to visit his granddaughter and her family in Billings, Montana. His life was filled with happiness and joy since his retirement with his wife Bobbie in Del Webb Lincoln Hills. He fit in like a permanent fixture enjoying new and old friends and neighbors. In his retirement he enjoyed his new hobby of building intricate model ships, which he gave as mementos to family and friends and which were admired by strangers as well. He and his friend Ron, were regulars at Starbucks.

Golf was his passion and he was open to coaching all in the techniques of improving their game whether they wanted it or not. As a longtime member of Del Paso Country Club he fulfilled his love of golf and spending time with his many golf buddies. He had many opportunities to play in and contribute to charity golf tournaments such as the Swing at Cancer. He was also very fortunate and proud to have had the opportunity to golf with such golf legends as Billy Casper, John Cook and Julius Boros, to name a few.

Ted was generous with his time, talents and skills - he gave to others and never asked for anything in return. His politics were well known and Rush Limbaugh has lost an avid listener. Ted was a lover of his favorite 4-legged friend Bogie - whose life he saved after a few doggie indiscretions left his future in question. Theodore (Ted) was known and loved by many. Ted, who died suddenly, in turn, graciously loved others. Ted will be greatly missed.

Ted shared his life with his beloved wife, Bobbie D'Amico; stepdaughters, Kathryn Schroeder and Deborah Rusaw; stepson, William Glidden; brother, Daniel D'Amico MD; many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

All are welcome to a Celebration of Ted's Life as every day was a celebration to Ted: Del Paso County Club, 3333 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821 on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 1:30.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital (In honor of Theodore J. D'Amico), Memorial and Honor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org/tribute.