Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1952
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Dennis Damato Obituary
On April 11, 2022, Dennis Damato, beloved husband, father and grandfather, left this earth peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer.
Dennis was born Sept. 5, 1952, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Nicholas and Frances Damato. He became a resident of Crystal River, Florida in 1971, where he met his wife of nearly 50 years, Patricia. He was the youngest state certified general contractor in Florida when he received his license at age 21. In addition to running his own construction business, Dennis was very involved in the betterment of Crystal River and Citrus County. He enjoyed spending time with his family, working on projects and going to Gator football games. He attended St. Benedict Catholic Church in Crystal River.
Dennis was known as a "man with a plan." After serving as Chairman of the Crystal River Community Redevelopment Agency from 1988-2004, he was elected as District 1 County Commissioner. He served three terms and during those 12 years he brought his knowledge, planning skills and vision to the board and worked tirelessly for the citizens of Citrus County. Upon his retirement in 2016, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce. He was a bold leader who advocated for the expansion of CR 486 and CR 491, the Meadowcrest Government Center, county bike trails and preservation of water resources.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Patricia, his daughter Danielle Damato Doty (Chris), grandson Enzo Doty, two brothers, Mark and Greg, and stepson, Sean. Dennis was "Pop" to Michael, Christopher, Austin, Devin and Steven. He is also survived by his Aunt Jenny (NJ) and cousins Denise and Cheryl (GA).
To honor Dennis's battle with cancer and help those who are still fighting, please make memorial donations in his name to: Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation at 5985 Silver Falls Run, Bradenton, FL 34211; or UF Health Foundation at P.O. Box 14425, Gainesville, FL 32604-9901; or HPH Hospice Citrus Hospice House at 2939 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy., Lecanto, FL 34461.
A funeral service will be held on April 25 at 12 noon at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Crystal River
Arrangements are under the direction of Strickland Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Damato
6 Entries
Phyllis
April 25, 2022
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
One of the doctors who cared for him
April 21, 2022
Patient, dignified and kind even in his passing days. GodSpeed
Libby, Lee, Scott (Stricklands') and Families
April 17, 2022
Dear Pat and Danielle,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to you and your family.
Vicki Phillips
April 15, 2022
It was a pleasure to work with Commissioner Damato. He was a man with many ideas to better Citrus County and loved bringing those forward. He was a good man. My heartfelt sympathy to Pat, Danielle and the Damato family.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Dennis Damato's name
Memorial Events
for Dennis Damato
Funeral services provided by:
Strickland Funeral Home - Crystal River1901 SE Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34429
How to support Dennis's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Dennis Damato's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
