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Salvatore D'Amato Obituary

D'Amato, Salvatore "Sam" Passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, January 15, 2007 at the age of 85. Preceded in death by his wife Kathleen (nee Gould) and sister, Stephanie Behm (late Alex). Loving father of Stephanie, Sanford (Angela) and Pam Burton (Jack Hines). Loving brother to Mary Hronis (late Alex), Grace Tralongo (Ben) and Joe D'Amato (Sheeda/Jean). Further survived by his many nieces and nephews, dear life-long friends, his "restaurant family" and special friend, Felicia Provencher. Sam followed his father as the operator of D'Amato's Grocery on Jackson and Pleasant Streets until its closing in 1989. Part grocery and part social gathering place, the store helped Sam know everything that was going on in a two-mile radius and he was always there with advice or a kind word for customers and friends - a true beloved gentleman of the neighborhood. According to his wishes, Sam donated his body to the Wisconsin Medical College. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed in Sam's name at: Legacy Fund of Three Holy Women Parish, 1716 N. Humboldt Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202. Visitation at 9:30am followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30am on Saturday, January 20th at 3 Holy Women Catholic Parish - St. Rita's Church, 1603 N. Cass St.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Jan. 17 to Jan. 18, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Salvatore D'Amato

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May 17, 2007

A Beautiful Day at Lake Park

May 17, 2007

May 17, 2007

Adan Franco

April 24, 2007

It was an honor to have known Sam for the few years that I did. He has shown me, as well as the rest of "the guys", what is is to be a great man. He always gave us knowledge and wisdom while slipping in the occasional joke. His sense of humor and lust for life are unmatched. I will miss him greatly.

There's nothing better than a day at the ballpark.

April 24, 2007

On our way to the game.

April 24, 2007

Sarah Rita (D'Amato) Eickhoff

January 24, 2007

My mother told me of Mr. D'Amato's passing and I was flooded with memories of my childhood. My Grandma Carmella and Grandpa Guiseppe lived on Pleasant St and I spent a lot of time at their house. Grandma would walk me to the "store" and we would have a nice time talking and picking out lunchmeat and bread. I recall the smoked "baccalada" in the meat case. Grandma referred to Sam as "Sam of the Store" - kind of like Peter the butcher. On a recent trip back to Milwaukee I drove my husband past the store - now Sandy's restaurant - and I saw Sam come out at the top of the stairs. I got out of the car and went to talk to him. As always, he was delightful - he remembered me and my brothers. I asked how Sandy was doing and he talked with great enthusiasm about Sandy's success. I asked for a menu and Sam went and got one for me to take home. I was fortunate to grow up in that wonderful neighborhood with all the experiences of a little Italian girl. I'm a D'Amato too, and I'm afraid that I'm not sure how we're related, distant cousins.. Maybe someone knows.
Thanks for the memories, Sam. You still live in the hearts of many.

Diane Strzelecki (Edwards)

January 24, 2007

Our sympathy to your entire family from our families some still in town and others far away. Fannie Edwards, Sarah Krezman and Beverly D'Amato and families

Perrie Reich

January 22, 2007

Dear Sandy, Angie and Stephanie,

We were so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. I have so many fond memories of our days at Sanford. I look back and remember the wonderful memories that we all shared. Your father was such a wonderful and loving man. He took all of us under his wing as his very own. I feel so very sorry for your loss.

On behalf of my parents Ronnie and Jackie and my family still in Milw
we will miss Sam.

Sincerely,

Perrie Reich
Ronald & Jackie Reich Surprise AZ
Ramona & Gary Trokan & Family Muskego Wisc
Rene & Jay Sayre Sayre & Family Sussex Wisc

Perrie Reich

January 22, 2007

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

Justin Aprahamian

January 22, 2007

Thoughts are with the family, which Sam very much made me feel a part of. A great loss to everyone who knew him. He will live on in stories, memories shared and the wealth of knowledge he passed on.

Dale & Cindy Bauer

January 22, 2007

We didn't have the pleasure of knowing Sam, but we heard many warm and wonderful comments about him from members of his Sanford family. We wish Sandy and Angie happy memories and our deepest sympathies.

Vilma Mc Neail

January 21, 2007

I haven't seen Sam for years, but the thing I remember most about him is his kindness.
Vilma

Rosie Bal-Lutz

January 20, 2007

Kathy and Rose would like to express our deepest sympathy to the D'Amato family.
I have many childhood memories of a wonderful, warm and happy man who always had a smile for me...Rosie Bal
Kathy Sczceck and I were just recalling the fun times we had at the D'Amato house when we were in High School with Stef.

Herb and Mary Fran Hentzen-Cahill

January 20, 2007

We were so saddened to learn today via JSOnline of Mr. D'Amato's passing and wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, especially Sandy and Angie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jerry Gariety

January 20, 2007

From the year 1972 through the year 1975, I serviced D’Amato Grocery for the Pepsi Cola Company. I always looked forward to my weekly stop at the store. Sometimes you might have to wait
in line to speak to Sam, the wait was always well worth it. When it was your turn, Sam always had time for you and was very kind to deal with. The conversation always went beyond business. He always inquired into my personal and family life as well as I was interested in his family. If I remember right Sandy was studying in France at the time and Angie was working at the store. Some years later my wife and I were sitting in an old restaurant (The Charcoal Grille) on Brown Deer Road, when Sam and Kathleen came in. Sam insisted that he buy us a drink. We enjoyed conversation about the old times. I’m sorry to say that was the last time I saw him. I’m proud to say, I have known Sam D’Amato. He certainly was a kind gentleman. I’m sure the Lord has found a spot for Sam in heaven.

Deborah Andera

January 20, 2007

Dear Sweet Sam,
I'll miss our little chats on Wednesdays when I opened at Sanford.
Momentarily my tasks were on delightful hold. I truly prized our time together and I'm sure our Sanford family would agree that you had a gift for making everyone around you feel special. Your heart was big enough to take us all in. You knew how to make us smile and we could'nt help but love you.
To know you was to know a man who embraced all that life offered. No matter what, you were up to the challenge.
Good, kind, gentle Sam, your example will always be an inspiration to me.
One of your many admirers,
Love,
Deborah

Sarah Mudrock

January 19, 2007

I remember many Saturday afternoons answering the phones at Sanford Restaurant and sharing conversations with Sam. When he'd walk down to the restaurant from his apartment upstairs he would pass by the office door and not once did he ignore me. He always stoped to ask how I was doing, to share a story or just to ask if I needed anything from downstairs. Sam was a gracious human being who cared about everyone and deserved to be treated with the same courtesy. Sam befriended me with his smile and charm and I will never forget him.
~Sarah

Jane Machi

January 19, 2007

I have many happy memories of working for Sam in the store. Eating fresh rolls on Sunday morning with lots of butter, behind the meat counter. I learned how important it was to have a strong work ethic from Sam and how to be kind to those less fortunate. You could count on Sam to be there for the neighborhood. No family went without food. He was truly an icon of the neighborhood and will be greatly missed.

Julie Ibar

January 19, 2007

Sam was kind, bright, gentle, proud and very funny. Sam's presence filled 1547 N. Jackson whether he was in the restaurant, upstairs, or down stairs. He was always helping with a task. Never wanting to be a burden, Sam was the one who always wanted to contribute. He did this so well!
I am so humbled by a simple request he made two days before he passed away. I have a special memory of holding his hand that day and sharing some laughs.
Sam's presence will always be a part of our hearts, smiles, and our Sanford. He will be missed.
Julie

Jacqueline Doggett

January 19, 2007

You can tell a good man by the way he treats someone. Sam treated everyone with love and tenderness that's why he's considered a great man. I am only one of many people that had the chance to experience his smile and gentle demeanor. I won't forget to live life with a smile, the same as Sam. Jackie

Ralph Selensky

January 19, 2007

In the seventeen years since Sanford Restaurant replaced D’Amato’s Grocery, I have heard story after story from people who have lived in the neighborhood, about the store, and the kind man who ran the store. I share with them the memory of his welcoming smile and kind manner. I will miss my friend whose life has touched so many. I offer my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Sam.

Cristina Tofte

January 18, 2007

I have so many fond memories of Sam. He was a wonderful man with a heart of gold. Sandy, Angie, Stephanie and Felicia - May peace replace your heartache.

Andrew Schneider

January 18, 2007

Sam was a great friend and role model. I will miss the advice and time that he always offered.

Feliciana Guadarrama-Reyes

January 18, 2007

Sam, descanse en paz un buen amigo y un buen papa siempre te recordare
fuiste un gran apoyo para mi y mi familia. Sarait te recadara siempre un abuelito para ella y que los angeles te cuiden siempre Sam

Loren Smith-Loncaric

January 18, 2007

Sam, what a beautiful human being! I am honoured that I was able to spend time with you and your loved family. I'm sad now to be saying good-bye to you, a gentleman who for me was like a father, a mentor and my mate!
My thoughts are with your family and many friends at this moment.
You will always be in our heart and minds, dear Sam.
Love from your Aussie daughter down-under.

Amber Krueger

January 18, 2007

It was a pleasure to know Sam over the past 6 years. He was always so friendly, so warm, and always made me feel special whenever I saw him. I will remember him as a kind man with a wonderful spirit. He will be missed

Petra Grabowski

January 18, 2007

I'm so glad that Sam was a part of my life. I loved him and I will miss him and his stories. His spirit will never be forgotten. Bye Sam.

Ivo & Beverlee Baldoni

January 18, 2007

Our .Sympathy goes out to the D'Amato Family
Sam was a very nice man and a good neighbor.We remember him well.

Joanne Fantin-Mattern

January 18, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ben & Phyllis Travia

January 18, 2007

Ben & I would like to offer our deepest sympathy to the family. Ben knew Sam as part of the "coffee group" at the "pharmacy". He was a new friend to me that I met through a different coffee group, the fellowship gatherings after the 10:45 mass at St Rita's. He was always kind & gentle and had a wonderful smile. We'll miss that smile. Ben & Phyllis Travia

Mary Jo Gurgone

January 18, 2007

I didn't have the pleasure to know Mr. D'Amato, but I really would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Stephanie and the rest of the family. May your memories and dad's legacy be with you to comfort and cheer you when feeling sad.

John and Ginny Fazio

January 17, 2007

We have many happy memories we shared with Sam and Kathleen.He was a wonderful,loving and kind man. Our deepest sympathy.

Dick Luckert

January 17, 2007

For 25 years, each workday. I went to Sam's corner store which was 1/2 block away from my work place. Four slices of bread, 2 slices of Provalone and six slices of salami....wrapped up in white butcher paper. He was a confidant and a friend. I probaby have eaten more meals form that location than any man........ except Sandy. I remember the two old Uncles (?) who would argue and swear like crazy...and it didn't matter who was in the store. He helped once in a important way . Thanks Sam!

Therese Hittman

January 17, 2007

Sam, you were an amazing friend and coworker. I will miss you dearly and love you always.

Sam's 85th Birthday Dinner

January 17, 2007

Celia Chramega (nee: Tripi)

January 17, 2007

What a tragedy. Such a wonderful man. I have so many fond memories of him bringing groceries to mom's house EVERY friday--rain, snow, sleet or whatever. He always stayed and chatted with all of us. Such a sincere gentleman. He will be sadly missed.

Christine Fazio

January 17, 2007

Uncle Sam will be missed by so many of us. We loved him so much. What a great man!
Love & Kisses, Chris, Dave, Michael and Allison

Bruno & Mona Henke

January 17, 2007

Sam, who was more than a wonderful friend with Kathleen to us, they
were family and treated our whole family as their own.
Always remembered . . . . . .

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