Robert A. Damon

1947 - 2024

Robert A. Damon
Robert A. (Bob) Damon died suddenly at home in vero Beach, Florida, on March 14, 2024. Bob was born in Somerville, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his mother, Constance O'Teri and brother, Jim. Bob's death was the result of an enlarged heart. Those of us who were lucky enough to have Bob in our lives would not be surprised, as Bob had the biggest heart of anyone we knew.
Bob earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Industrial Management and Industrial Economics from Purdue University.
He built his career as a strategic consultant, quickly rising to become one of the top consultants and advisors in the executive search industry as the industry itself was rising to prominence. A natural leader, Bob's professional success led to senior operating roles with global search firms Spencer Stuart and Korn Ferry. He was involved in recruiting C-Suite and board members for companies such as Oakley, Levi Strauss, Boa Technology, TRX, 5.11 Tactical and the Avedis Zildjian Company. Bob also took great satisfaction from the work he did in partnership with the upper echelon of the sporting world, where he placed commissioners in the NHL, NFL, MLB, and the Big 12.
Most recently as a partner of Ventura Partners, Bob focused on talent acquisition for private equity-backed firms in the Consumer, Health/Wellness and Sports/Performance sectors.
A competitor by nature, Bob pushed himself his entire life to partner and team with colleagues who raised his game-in or out of the workplace. He served on the boards of Pear Sports, TRX, Sheex, Zildjian and the Special Operations Fund - which he helped found over 30 years ago. Known as the Quiet Fund for our Country's Quiet Warriors, the Special Operations Fund supports children and widows of our country's elite fallen soldiers. The Special Operations Fund, since its founding in 1992, has served more than 6000 families, awarding more than $18 million in support. Additionally, Bob's love of our nation's veterans compelled him to recently volunteer his services to the Headstrong Project, a national charity providing free PTSD treatment to our nation's veterans, by finding their current Executive Director.
As Bob moved to different cities around the country, he made time for his community and passions in life through his memberships at the Stamford Yacht Club, San Francisco Yacht Club, The Jonathan Club, The Club at Silverleaf, Club at Kukui'ula, Scottsdale Gun Club and more recently, The Moorings Yacht and Tennis Club and the Grand Harbor Beach Club.
His friends and colleagues, however, will recall how often he defied (much to our dismay) dress codes and rules in and out of the office. His joyful irreverence brought many smiles to those around him.
Bob's love for adventure knew no bounds. He summited Mt. Rainier in 2002, ran the Grand Canyon rim to rim several times, and completed many Presidio Adventure races. He was an avid sailor on Long Island Sound and sailed in Newport-to-Bermuda races and the Big Boat Series. The gym and the ocean were his happy places.
Bob's unquenchable thirst for adventure was further expressed in his unwavering eagerness to always continue learning. He sought out new experiences to challenge himself and build new skills - he took drum lessons and golf lessons until his last day. He played, worked, and napped hard.
An eternal optimist, for Bob, every day was 70 degrees and sunny. He was a player and coach and never asked anyone to do anything he wouldn't do himself. He treated anyone who crossed his path with respect and generosity. His love of fast boats, fast cars and fast food knew no bounds. He never missed a ride and he never missed a Twinkie. The day Hostess re-opened its doors was one of Bob's best.
His vast collection of resumes acquired during his lifetime was the result of a man who was a great listener, coach, friend, business partner, father, and husband. Bob's favorite times were when he made dreams a reality for others, whether it was tickets to the Super Bowl or World Series, surprise trips, or just helping out a friend. His passion for being someone you could count on was his very core - helping another person actualize their dream was the pinnacle of his life. He was intent on making wishes come true for his three children, his five grandchildren, and his wife.
He is survived by his wife, Eugenie LaBranche Damon; son Derek; daughter Alexa Scoma (Tony); son Ryan (Natasha); and five proud grandchildren: Jack, Eugenie, Coco, Powell and Wilhelmina; and his beloved Old English Sheepdog, Paul.
A celebration of Bob's life and legacy will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 4 p.m. at the Country Club of Darien, in Darien, Connecticut.
In remembrance of Bob Damon, his family, and their boundless support of our Nation's Veterans and their families, contributions can be made to:
The Special Operations Fund
901 North Stuart St #1200
Arlington VA 22203
https://www.specialoperationsfund.org/about/
or
The Headstrong Project
4504 162nd Street, Suite 203
Flushing New York, NY 11358
https://theheadstrongproject.org