REV. MICHAEL D'AMICO

D'AMICO, REV. FATHER MICHAEL - went home to his eternal reward with God on Saturday, June 12, 2010. He was born November 1, 1938 in Vineland to the late Viola and Michael D'Amico. Father Michael was raised in Wildwood. After graduating from Wildwood Catholic High School, he entered the seminary of St. Charles in 1953. Rev. Father D'Amico was ordained in 1964 at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Overbrook, Wynnewood, PA. He served five South Jersey Parishes: St. Augustine's, Ocean City 1964; Most Holy Redeemer, Westville Grove 1964-65; St. Michael's, Atlantic City 1965-75 and 1998-2005; St. Frances Cabrini, Ocean City 1975-1998, and St. Peter's, Pleasantville, 1996. Father D'Amico re-established the congregation at St. Michael's Atlantic City and was pivotal in the renovation of both the church in 1998 and the adjacent Dante Hall Theater of the Arts in 2003. He was also active in the renovation of Duck Town and in social programs that benefited Atlantic City. Father D'Amico served on the faculty at Holy Spirit High School from 1965-1996. As moderator, Father was instrumental in establishing the Boys' Crew at Holy Spirit High School with Coach Stan Bergman in the mid-1960's. By the early 1970's HSHS crew became a national powerhouse. During Father's tenure HSHS Crew won numerous National Championships and traveled to Henley Royal Regatta in England five times, winning The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup (recognized as the High School World Championship) three times. Everyone who rowed at HSHS during the 1960's, 70's and 80's will remember Father for his energy, discipline, boisterous laugh, and the statement "indeed" which was his response to a new piece of knowledge presented by an oarsman that impressed him. He will be missed by the rowing community worldwide. HSHS Crew was a passion for Father, but academics was his primary focus. He mentored many rowers and non-rowers at HSHS, and helped countless number of students to achieve admission into the top universities in the county. Father D'Amico was a gourmet chef hosting many spaghetti dinners. He also was a patron of the arts, and his love of the arts was evident in his decorations throughout the many churches he served. Father was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed world history. Throughout his lifetime, Father D'Amico worked endlessly to assist and enrich the lives of all those he encountered. He would always help anyone in need and was a true friend to the end. Surviving are his brother, John (wife Janice), sister-in-law Patricia, two nieces, Mary and Theresa (husband Ed Grant), three nephews, John, Mark (wife Lisa) and Christopher. Two step-nieces, Donna Torroni (husband Steve) and Beth Poole (husband Nicholas). He is also survived by several great nieces and nephews. Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 17th at 12 noon, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Atlantic and California Aves., Atlantic City, NJ. Friends and relatives will be received on Thursday morning from 8 AM at the Church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Spirit Boys Crew, 121 N. Oxford Ave., Ventnor City, NJ 08406. Arrangements by Ingersoll-Greenwood Funeral Home of North Wildwood, NJ.