ALFRED J. D'AMATO

Alfred J. D'Amato (Al) of Yonkers passed away on May 29, 2003 at home in peace and with dignity after a brief illness. He was 88 years old. Al was born at home on the top floor of what is now Gjoni's Pizza at 191 Linden Street in Yonkers to Carmine and Marie (nee Piegaro) D'Amato on December 17, 1914. The eldest of four surviving children and a lifelong Yonkers resident, Al was educated in the local school system and went on to the Carnegie Institute after graduating from Saunders Trade School. He attended the University of Alabama, earning a degree in Architecture. On September 10, 1941, Al married Doris Moret at St. Mary's Church in Yonkers. Later that year he took his young wife to Trinidad for a two-week honeymoon, but stayed for 2-1/2 years when World War II broke out. Al served his country indirectly by building airfields on the tropical island for Allied troops. Upon his return to US soil, Al founded and ran Roma Contracting in 1948. He was joined by his late brother Victor L. D'Amato and they excavated for numerous large and small constructions projects in and around the Tri-State Area as members of Operating Engineers Local #137. They also worked on all major construction projects for Refined Syrups and Sugars of Yonkers. In the '60's, Al and his brother founded Amor Construction Company and became major Con Ed contractors. Al retired from construction in 1985 to care for his ailing wife and handed over the reins of his business to his son Robert. In addition to a successful career in construction, Al D'Amato was a civic-minded advocate, having been a member of the Society of American Military Engineers, The Junior Chamber of Commerce, The American Heart Association, The Yonkers Exchange Club and a founding member of the Enrico Fermi Society. He sat on numerous Boards of Directors including the YMCA and served as the Chairman for the Rotary's Interservice Club. Al also served as both a Ward and District Leader for the Republican Party and served on the Yonkers Parking Authority since 1985, where he became Vice Chairman and was responsible for many innovative parking policies. He sang with pride as a member of the Yonkers Glee Club and was a parishioner with St. Denis Catholic Church. Al was also a distinguished member of the Rotary Club and received their highest honor - the Paul Harris Fellowship Award - in 1992. In his later life, Al became known as "Pop" to all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his son Robert J. and daughter-in-law Christine D'Amato of Yonkers, his sister Annette (Nettie) Amato of Yonkers, his sister Jane Brookings of Pasadena, CA and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren too numerous to mention. During the course of his extraordinary life, Al D'Amato and his wife traveled all over the world and were Peabody dance champions. Together in life, they tripped the light fantastic. Together in death, they dance with the angels. From the family: "God bless you Pop; you're forever in our hearts". Friends may call at the Sinatra Memorial Home, 601 Yonkers Avenue on Monday and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass at St. Denis Church on Wednesday at 10 am. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.