Samuel Jake Damonte

1989 - 2025

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our sweet Sam.

Samuel Jake Damonte was born on May 16, 1989, and raised by his mother, Kelly Rios; stepfather, Albert; father, Michael Damonte; and stepmother, Shannon. He grew up and went to school in St. Helena and Pope Valley, and received his certificate of completion from St. Helena High School in 2007. He then attended the special education transition program through Napa Valley Unified, finishing in 2011.

Sam was the oldest of his blended family that included brothers Litto and Albie, and sisters Courtney and Kelsey. Growing up, Sam partook in 4-H, Challenger baseball, made dog cookies with his special needs class, attended 4-H camp, and worked on the Damonte Hubcap Ranch. He loved his movies and shows, quoted lines from Toy Story, Star Wars, and Seabiscuit, and wore out the tapes of many Ken Burns documentaries and his favorite show: There Goes a Spaceship!

He was a bright light of energy, always with a big smile on his face, and a gift for gab. He loved to make people laugh; it was really all he ever did. He heckled any and all events with his catchphrases and quick jokes: dinners, church, weddings, camp meetings, quiet movie theaters, concerts, and even funerals. No gap in conversation was safe from a Sam one-liner, and his comedic timing was always impeccable.

Sam was everyone's friend, even if you didn't know him. A quick trip to the store could turn into a half-hour of catching up with dozens of people as they stopped him to chat. He was famous around town for being himself. He remembered the face and name of everyone he met and was never afraid to stop you and say hi. He loved to connect with people and made countless friends everywhere he went.

Sam leaves behind a space in the world that can never be filled. He left a mark on everyone he knew and had cemented himself as a fixture in all our hearts. He will be missed by anyone who called him a friend, and the silent moments in our lives will be that much louder.

He was predeceased by his father, Mike, in 2024.

Sam's family would like to commend and thank the caregivers at Bayberry Inc. who made it possible for Sam to live semi-independently, everyone at Brown Street Gallery (Sam loved attending the day program there), and anyone who worked with Sam throughout his life.

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In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Napa Valley Support Services/Brown Street Gallery to support an important special needs program that gives opportunity and community to many of Sam's friends.

"My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:2-3

A celebration of life will be held for Sam on June 27th at the St. Helena Catholic School Gymnasium from 1 PM to 4 PM. All are welcome; please bring your stories. Samuel Jake Damonte