Francis Mario D'Amico D.M.A.

D'AMICO Francis Mario D'Amico, D.M.A. of Overbrook Farms on August 29, 2016. Dr. Francis M. D'Amico - musician, composer, teacher – dies at 82 Dr. Francis M. D'Amico of Overbrook Farms in West Philadelphia died this week leaving behind a musical legacy that spanned nearly a century. He was an accomplished performer and composer, and taught music in the Philadelphia Public School System for 35 years. His life work entertained, taught and inspired so many, it is hard to imagine the scope of his influence. Dr. D'Amico graduated in the Class of '52 from St. Thomas Moore High School. He went on to serve honorably in the U.S. Army Third Armored Division from 1955-1957 in Europe where he was Band Director and performed throughout Western Germany entertaining the troops. He completed his B.S. at West Chester University as music major and also obtained an Ed.M. degree which served as the foundation for his long and successful teaching career. At West Chester University, he was a pianist for the Criterions, an award-winning university jazz band which still performs today. In recent years, Dr. D'Amico participated in Criterions reunions where they would compose and perform music together. Dr. D'Amico was a prolific composer and published a large body of music since obtaining his Doctorate of Musical Arts at Combs College of Music. There he composed and performed a choral mass, Missa Cantata, as part of his thesis and dissertation. Several of his orchestral works were premiered and performed by the Ocean City Pops Orchestra at their Summer Concert Series. His Fanfare and Elegy, a memorial and tribute to the heroes and victims of the 911 tragedy, was recorded by the Ocean City Pops and performed by the orchestra on multiple occasions. His choral works and ensemble compositions were performed in numerous venues which included the Kimmel Center and St. Joseph's University. He is a longtime member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Dr. D'Amico was a devout Catholic and longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Overbrook Farms where he raised his family. He was a loving husband to his wife, Patricia Strain, and father to seven children. He instilled a love and appreciation for music in his family as well as a drive for knowledge and education. As a teacher, Dr. D'Amico touched the life of thousands of young Philadelphians. He introduced them to all forms of music, and inspired them to learn and love music. Many students remember him fondly from their young classroom days and have reached out to him later in life both personally and on social media. Dr. D'Amico's legacy as a teacher, musician, composer, family man and person of faith is truly remarkable. He was a fine testament to what a great man can be. He was loved by many and will surely be missed by all. Beloved husband of the late Patricia (nee Strain) and son of the late Josephine (nee Virgili) and Nicholas D'Amico; also predeceased by his brothers, Nicholas Jr. and John and his sister, Marie Amoroso. He is survived by his loving children Francis Jr. (Kristen), Christopher, Thomas, Paul (Silvina), Maryann, Rosemarie Dmytryk (Theodore) and Joseph (Jessica); his devoted sisters Margaret Lacey and Christine DeVault; his adoring grandchildren Chelsea, Julia, Shane, Luke, Theo and Lucy; and, his cherished great-grandchildren Kylee, MacKenzie and Mikayla. Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing on Thursday evening, 7:00 to 9:00 PM and Friday morning, 8:30 to 9:15 AM at the Danjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 63rd Street and Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19151. Interment will be at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Springfield, PA 19064. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Franciscan Monastery, 1400 Quincy Street NE, Washington, DC 20017.