James Vincent Damiani Sr.

Damiani Sr., James Vincent

James Vincent Damiani Sr. died peacefully at home on May 3, 2012. Born on December 6, 1917, Jim was a proud son and brother, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle.

Predeceased by his parents, Casimiro and Gerlanda (Marino) Damiani, his six siblings, Clementina Lauricella and Anna Maraia, Emmanuel, Charles, Pat E. and Thomas Damiani and his darling daughter Patricia Damiani Drance.

Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Grace Caezza Damiani, his children and their spouses, James and Karen Damiani, Geraldine and Mario Brezler, Daniel Drance, Mary Damiani Burke, Joseph and Joy Damiani; his grandchildren, David, Benjamin, and Katherine Brezler, Matthew and Kaiann Drance, Rene (Drance) and Rich Klusek, Victoria Damiani and Jason Lu, Gregory Damiani, James Hohenberger, and Grace and Stella Damiani and his great-grandchildren, Lucas and Gabriel Drance. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be forever missed by his caregivers Angie Saunders and Elia Russo who were like daughters to him.

Born in the Hell's Kitchen section of NYC and raised in Fairview, NJ, Jim ascended to the rank of First Sergeant in the Army Corps of Engineers. He was a combat veteran of the CBI Theatre earning 5 Battle Stars for action in Burma where he met and fell in love with his wife, Grace who was also serving as a US Army Combat Nurse. After the war, Jim and his wife started their family in Palisades Park, NJ where Jim served with valor in the Volunteer Fire Department. In 1954, Jim with the help of friends and family, completed construction of their home at 25 Twin Elms Lane across the street from his brother, Pat and moved his family to New City in 1955 to work in the organization and incorporation of the IBEW Local 363. Jim's affiliation with the IBEW began at Local 3 in NYC and he was recently honored as a 75 year member. Jim served as the treasurer of the Local 363 and was a Master Electrician.

Jim served as a Town Councilman and was a member of the Town Board in the 1960's. He continued his elected service in the Rockland County Legislature in the 1970's. His selfless community service included helping to start AND acting as President for organizations such as New City Little League, Clarkstown Babe Ruth League, Clarkstown Parks and Recreation Commission, Clarkstown Senior Citizens and Rockland Community College.

Jim culminated his professional career as Asst. Labor Commissioner for the State of New York appointed by Gov. Hugh Carey and worked throughout the administration of Gov. Mario Cuomo applying his extensive skills as a negotiator and adjudicator.

Jim and Grace spent much of their retirement at their home in Marco Island, FL where they were frequently visited by their children and grandchildren. Jim's favorite day was any day fishing with a family member or friends on one of his boats, which he named in succession, "The Amazing Grace" and "Patty".

His enjoyment was complete, surrounded by his loving family, regaling his children with stories about his brothers and sisters and his service in the military and early days as an electrician in NYC.

If the mark of a man is the legacy of memories he leaves, Jim Damiani was a wealthy man. "A heart is not judged by how much you love but by how much you are loved by others".

Family will receive friends on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9pm at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, 10am, St. Augustine's Church, New City, NY followed by interment at Fred Loescher Cemetery, Monsey, NY.

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc.

321 South Main Street

New City, NY 10956

(845) 634-6110

www.mjhigginsnewcity.com