Martha Damone

Martha Damone, of Ludlow, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at the age of 90, with her family by her side. She was born on February 21,1935, in Oyster Bay New York, the daughter of John and Antoinette Clegg.

At just 18 years old, Martha married the love of her life, James “Jim” Damone, on October 11, 1953. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and adventure. For most of their marriage, they worked in the food service industry across New York, California, Florida, New Hampshire,and Vermont, ultimately settling in Ludlow in the early 1970s while raising their seven children.

Martha and Jim thrived on new challenges and enjoyed many successful and fulfilling ventures. Beyond their restaurants, they became involved in real estate and home restoration, with Martha proudly leading the construction projects and crew. They also supported their longtime businesspartner and good friend Richard Gaignard in his boxing endeavors. 

Martha’s adventurous spirit extended to every part of life — she even embraced Jim’s dream of owning a racehorse. While Jim was widely known as “Diamond Jim,” those who knew them agreed that Martha was the true sparkle, admired for her unforgettable style, beauty, warmth, and even the couple’s legendary ability to “cut a rug.”

After Jim’s passing in 1999, Martha remained active and joyful, filling her days with work, golf, a glass of white wine, and cherished time with family and friends. She was known affectionately as “The Hostess with the Mostess,” a title she embodied throughout her life. Following a stroke in 2014, she remained positive and resilient, lovingly cared for by her family — especially her daughter Patty, with whom she lived until her recent hospitalization and final stay at the Gill Home.

Martha is survived by her brother John Clegg and his wife Elnora; her sister Leona Houghton; her brother-in-law Pete Damone and his wife Dot; and her seven children: Tina Danyew, Susan Balch, Patty Damone, Gina Bailey, Jamie Josselyn, James Damone, and Phil Damone, along with their spouses. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at DJ’s Restaurant on March 1, 2026, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., friends and family are warmly invited to gather, share stories, laughter and memories, to celebrate a woman whose love, strengthand spirit touched so many lives.