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Benjamin D'Amato Obituary

Benjamin Dominic D'Amato

Benjamin was born in Redding, California on September 26, 1976.
His big kind heart failed him at his home on Sunday, July 26, 2009.

Benjamin was well known and well respected as a life long resident of Redding. He was an intelligent and humble man who loved his wife and children. In his youth he was an accomplished athlete excelling in football and baseball at Shasta High School. In recent years he could usually be found at his daughters' softball games or his step sons football games or wrestling tournaments. Ben worked for several years at Sierra Pacific Industries and the past two and half years as a freight conductor with Union Pacific Railroad. He was member of the Knights of Columbus and St Joseph Catholic Church.

Benjamin is survived by his wife Maria, his daughters Rebekah and Sarah, his step sons David and Hunter Wallace, his parents, Vince and Jacque D'Amato and his sister, Carmel D'Amato, all of Redding.

He was a good and honorable man and will be greatly missed.

A funeral mass will be held in his honor Friday, July 31, 10:00 AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Redding.
A reception will follow in the church basement.

Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Redding Record Searchlight from Jul. 29 to Jul. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin D'Amato

Not sure what to say?





Sarah D'Amato.

April 4, 2019

i love you, dad.

JIM CHAIN

August 26, 2009

WE WERE SO SORRY TO HERE OF BENS PASSING.WE MET THROUGH OUR CHILDRENS SPORTS. I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH HIS LOVE AND DEVOTION TO HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN...GOD BLESS JIM CHAIN AND FAMILY

Skeeter Thompson

August 20, 2009

I hold my memories close as sometimes they can pick you up when you nearly cannot Ben and I were running mates at NOVA and Shasta we looked out for eachother as it was most necessary i have not seen ben as my military career has moved me away for the past twelve years i know Ben is in a glorious place now and is at the right hand getting it ready for me ! thank you to his mom and dad for sharing him with us !! Thank you Ben for so many great memories ! I will see you when i get there promise !

Skeeter Thompson
[email protected]

Erin Udy

August 6, 2009

I feel so blessed to have know Ben D'Amato. He was my close friend in 9th grade. He always made me laugh and helped me to feel like I was someone special. I enjoyed talking with him about anything and everything. I count him as one of the most genuine, kind, and loyal people I ever met. I pray for his wife and sweet family that must miss him so much.

Jennifer Ferrell

August 5, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. We worked together just out of high school and when things would get stressful he always had a way of lightening the mood and bringing a smile to everyone's face. Eventually we all moved on, but you could go ten minutes or ten years without seeing Ben and when he saw you, it was as if it were yesterday, with a big hug and a smile for you. My heart is breaking for his family, and for everyone that will never have the opportunity to know what a wonderful person he was. You have my deepest sympathies and are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dennis Bales

August 5, 2009

Vince and Jacque and Family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you.

Travis Westgate

August 4, 2009

I am saddened to have just learned the news of this tragedy. I met Ben in Kindergarden at Project City and shared a love of all things Star Wars. After his family moved from the CV district, I was fortunate to have met up with him again at Nova and Shasta High. He was a funny guy and a good friend. Although it has been 15 years since I last talked to him, I've thought about him frequently and wished to have had our families meet. My sincerest condolances go out to the entire D'Amato family.

Rest in peace "Han", old buddy.

"Luke"

Cyndy and Randy Reed

August 3, 2009

Maria, Sarah, Rebekah and family,
We are very sorry to hear of Ben's passing. We knew him through our daughter's softball and he was always so kind to all the girls and their parents. He gave so much to help them. You're in our thoughts and hearts and he will be greatly missed.

Julie Baker Eastman Shasta class of '94

August 3, 2009

I'm so sad to hear that Ben's life has been cut short. I will always remember his smile and fun nature! Rest in peace Ben! God be with your family.

Jaime Pearson-Bennett

August 2, 2009

I have know Ben from 5th grade thru senior yr. Ben always had a smile on his face and always was a jokester. Wanted to make people laugh. You will be missed.

Kelly Nailor Parker

August 2, 2009

Jacque and Family,

My condolescences on your loss. I was shocked to read the news. Its been a long time since 6th grade but I was saddened by the news. Ben was well loved by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Heather Nunes

August 2, 2009

I've known Ben since high school. Ben and I have kept in contact over the years. He was always a happy person in high school. But i've never seen him smile as big then when he told me about his children and how well they are doing in school and sports. They were truly the light of his life. I will dearly miss him.

Elsie Abbey

August 1, 2009

Maria, Sarah, and Rebekah & family -

I am so sorry to hear that Ben passed away. I know that it is a great loss to all of you - I enjoyed the closeness of your family last summer when all of you helped me coach the Jr Giants. We have looked for you this summer on the baseball fields also and missed seeing you.

Please accept my condolences to your family. Ben was a great person and so cheerful and kind - he will be missed by many.

Patrick Yates

August 1, 2009

Ben, I lost my breath when I heard of your passing. You were too young to leave us. I am sorry we have not kept in touch since I left Redding so many years ago. You were a great friend and you will be missed by many. To Ben's family, my sincerest condolences, and know Ben is with the angels now, watching his family from above.

Marian Peck

August 1, 2009

In your sorrow, we send the entire D'Amato Family our heartfelt sympathy and kindest thoughts. May your treasured memories offer you some comfort during this difficult time.

Josh Vandiver

August 1, 2009

I am proud to say that Ben was a part of my life for the last 20 years. He was a true friend and so many memories keep coming to mind. All the trouble we caused together and the good times we had and how funny that they both went hand in hand. He will be truly missed. My best of wishes to the family and my help is always here if you need anything.

Tyler Smith

August 1, 2009

I just learned of the loss of Ben and I'm very saddened by the news. Though, it comforts me to know that in his short time on Earth, Ben brightened so many lives with his smile, great personality, and love for people. I haven't seen Ben is several years, but I'll never forget his smile and how much fun we had playing baseball as young kids and joking around in the halls of Shasta High. My condolences go out to his entire family.

Sally Boyer

July 31, 2009

Although we did not know Ben, we know his mom, and we are so, so sorry for your sudden loss. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you.

Sally and Redgy Boyer

Kimberley Bentley

July 31, 2009

Mrs. Maria D'Amato and family,
I am truly sorry for your sudden loss, my prayers are with you. Just remember to walk in the path god has layed for you and hold your head up high, he will give you the strenghth you need to make it through these hard times. God bless you and your family.

Pamela Drakos

July 31, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. You will truly be missed. May God be with you and your loved ones. You will never be far from my thoughts and prayers.

Todd DuQuette

July 31, 2009

My heart felt and most sincere condolences go out to the D'Amato family. Ben was truly one of the greatest guys around. I was really looking forward to 20 years or so of railroading with Ben. I pray that God's love and grace will
help guide you through these difficult times.

Coach Bob Russell& Wife Pat Russell

July 31, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Michelle Ornelas

July 31, 2009

My thoughts & prayers go out to your family & friends. I'm very sorry for your loss. Ben was an amazing person, he will forever live our hearts.

July 31, 2009

Jacque, Vince, and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Though its hard now in this time of grief, try to focus on the moments you had together- special people can make a lot of memories in a very short time and I'm sure your son was just that, a very special person.
The Briggs Family ~ Marvin, Debbie, Brianna, Nicole, & Meagan

Doni Kuehne

July 30, 2009

Dearest Maria and Family: I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that my prayers are with you and your children during this trying time. Walk with faith in GOD, and know his strength is yours to use to carry you through this time when strength is the last thing you think you have. My love and prayers to you and yours.

Travis Cooper

July 30, 2009

Ben’s smile and personality will always be close. He was a wonderful person and we were all lucky to have known him for any amount of time. He was a friend and I miss him. My thoughts are with your family.

Brad Davis

July 30, 2009

I met Ben on the railroad. He was an honest and sincere man. My heart goes out to his family.

Bill Correll

July 30, 2009

So sorry to hear about Ben's passing. I'm not sure what else to say, it's just very sad and I wanted you to know I am thinking about all of you.

Darinka & Michael Carey

July 30, 2009

Zack, Sandy, Chuck and Family

It has been awhile since we have seen Ben but he was a great men. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. We all here for you and know we love we all.

Rick and Vickie Dederian

July 30, 2009

Vince and Jacque, we are so sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you both and your family. Our sincerest condolences, Rick and Vickie Dederian

Matt Horton

July 30, 2009

Ben is a great guy and I am very saddened by his passing. My heart goes out to his entire family.

Kevin Procsal

July 30, 2009

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Ben's family. I worked with Ben at the railroad in Roseville and just the other day was wondering when I would see him around again. He always stopped to say hi to me whenever he saw me. I will miss him greatly. May you rest in peace Ben.

Eddie Beasom

July 30, 2009

I'm so sorry to hear about Ben. It was a pleasure working with him and helping whenever I could. He was a great employee who always considered his family first. He was alot of fun to be around and talk with. We will miss him, along with the rest of Union Pacific. Sincerely, Eddie Beasom, Local Chairman, UTU 1570.

July 30, 2009

I had the honor of being in the Knights of Columbus with Ben. To Maria and family, we offer our deepest condolences and our prayers are with you.

Sincerley, Terry & Hillary Zalesny.

Matt and Cheryl Diskin

July 30, 2009

Our deepest sympathies to the entire family. We will miss his smile and his positive support at the wrestling tournaments. He was a great guy.

Amanda Gibson (Maghari)

July 30, 2009

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Ben's family. Although it's been many years since I saw him I'll never forget his contagious smile and laugh. He was a genuine, caring, fun-loving person who will be missed by so many people. May you rest in peace Ben.

Nancy Larson

July 30, 2009

Jacque and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. May God help you with acceptance during this terrible time.

Bob Tucker

July 30, 2009

Ben,

Already we miss you beyond which words can explain.You are forever in our hearts.

Love,
Uncle Bob and Aunt Shirley

"Be who are and say what you feel,
Those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind."

Dr. Suess

Trent Fallin

July 30, 2009

D'Amato family - My deepest sympathies go out to your entire family as you cope with this loss. Ben will be remembered by so many people as an amazing, outgoing, and friendly person. I share many fond memories with Ben and will cherish them forever.

Zach Brenner

July 30, 2009

Although it’s been over five years since our paths had crossed, I was deeply saddened to learn about Ben’s passing. My heart goes out to the entire D'Amato family. Ben, I want to thank you for all the great memories and for being a part of all of our lives – we’re all better people because of it. You will be missed no doubt and never forgotten. May you rest in peace.

July 30, 2009

D'Amato Family, Our thoughts, prayers
and deepest sympathy goes out to your family in this time of loss.
John,Corene & Halie Van Eperen

Jim & Kathy Filomeo

July 30, 2009

Maria,
Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family. We will always remember his smiling face at all those wrestling tournaments. Ben will surely be missed.

Vincent Neidlinger

July 30, 2009

Dear family of Benjamin,
The Knights of Columbus extend our condolences to you at the loss of Benjamin at such an early age. Even though he had ceased being a member, he is still in our memory. May God comfort you at this time.
Vincent Neidlinger
District Deputy
Knights of Columbus

Mike Burnett

July 30, 2009

Vince and Family: My thoughts are with your whole family. Dealing with this is very difficult and very sad. He will be missed by all of his friends which are many. I saw Ben in WalMart where I work a couple of months ago. He told me how he had been working for the railroad and told me how he had a family and we talked like old times. I have known Ben since the 6th grade. My Ben rest in peace as he is in a better place. My sympathies are with the D'Amoto Family. Ben will be missed

July 30, 2009

Please accept my sincere sympathy at the loss of your son. You are in my prayers (by way of information, you were my insurance agent in the early '90s when I first came to Redding, Mr. D'Amato).

Sincerely, Marlene Johnson

Chaplains Don & Trudie D'Arcy

July 30, 2009

Maria,
I was so shocked to hear of your loss. I am so sorry. I am glad that Trudie got the call to be with you the other night I just wish I were in town and I would have been there as well. You and Ben have been special people in my life and I have always been fond of both of you. We have some great memories of some very happy times. Trudie and I are praying for you and I know that you know you are welcome to call us at anytime if you just need to talk.
Love you,
Chaplains Don and Trudie D'Arcy

Andy Lyman

July 30, 2009

D'Amato family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ben had a character, charm and joyful presence that affected anyone who knew him. My best memmories of Ben ("Benjie") are him as a young boy when he would come into the family restaurant (where I worked), and demand HIS MILKSHAKE. He was such a delight, I was always happy to stop whatever I was doing and fulfill his request. He will be missed.

Traci & Taryn Hale

July 30, 2009

Maria-I am devastated and saddened to hear of Ben's passing. Words cannot express the appreciation I had for him while I sat through MANY wrestling tournaments waiting for Trevor to finally wrestle. His kind words and support while I was there were unending and genuine. I know that there are no words to explain what you and the kids are feeling, but please know that Taryn and I will be here if you need us. We will miss Ben. He was a great friend, father and mentor to so many people. We love You.

July 29, 2009

Vince,Jacque and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time of grief.
The Rubin Family

Tom and Janice Johnson

July 29, 2009

Vince, Jacque, Carmin and Family,
It is with the greatest sadness in our heart that we write this condolance to your family. Unfortunately, we did not have the pleasure of knowing your son. However, it is without a doubt, he left a great legacy knowing the family he came from. Please be assured, your family is in our thoughts and prayers during a period of time no person can conceive,unless they have gone through it.
Gods speed in your healing. Tom and Janice Johnson and family

Siam Vaira

July 29, 2009

My deepest sympathies go out to the entire D'Amato Family. Ben was an amazing guy with a contagious smile and laugh, that will never be forgotten. He will truly be missed by many. May he rest in peace.

Jake and Janet Mangas

July 29, 2009

This is so heart-wrenching! All we would like to let you know is that we pray for your peace. The pain is so unfair, but never forget that God loves you and has you in the palm of his hand. God bless you.

With love,

Todd Cogle

July 29, 2009

Ben stands out in my mind as one of the friendly people I have ever met. My condolences to his family.

Susan Bleedorn

July 29, 2009

Maria,
My most sincerest condolances goes out to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you; may God's guiding hand support you and your family in this trying time. If there is anything I can do to help, I want you to know I am here for you. Call me anytime if you need to talk, my cell number is the same from when we were in school.

Robert Buck

July 29, 2009

I have so many memories of Ben. Some of my fondest memories were that of the playing field. I remember how passionate he was about playing football, and how much he cared about us, and how much he treasured playing at Shasta. We were not very good our senior year, and every game he would make me laugh so hard when we were in the huddle. We would be getting killed, and I could see he hated it, but he always helped lighten things up in the huddle. He really cared about everyone. He should have been thanked for that... THANKS BEN!!!

July 29, 2009

Vince & Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ben was a wonderful young man, he will not be forgotten.

Brenda Kreps

Will Barnett

July 29, 2009

My most sincere condolances to the entire D'Amato family. Ben you will indeed be missed. Be at rest.

Joseph Layman

July 29, 2009

Very sorry for the loss so many of Ben's family and friends are enduring. My family's thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this time. He will forever be missed.

Lance Fox

July 29, 2009

I will never forget your passion for building models, and the patience you took to make everything in your life as solid, positive, and as long lasting as them. Ben will be missed by many. An excellent role model and mentor, my condolences to the D'Amato family.

Bill & Anne Nicol

July 29, 2009

Vince,

Please know that Anne and I send our condolences to you and the family.

Kelly Schafer

July 29, 2009

Ben was a great, friendly, charming person with an amazing smile. My family and I have very fond memories growing up in the same neighborhood with Ben. Our deepest sympathies to his family.
Kelly Schafer, Debbie Russell (Schafer) & Mike Schafer

Travis Burch

July 29, 2009

My condolences to Ben's family - Ben - you will be missed, but never forgotten. I knew Ben from Cub Scouts and then Shasta High school where we had some great memories that will always live in my heart.

Jackie Crowell

July 29, 2009

We wish there was something We could do to change the way things are for you right now.
Just know that we care - and we are here for you

Jackie - Enterprise Jr Hornet Cheer

Janice John

July 29, 2009

I am so sorry for the loss of Ben. He was always so plesant to be around. His family will be in my prayers.

July 29, 2009

Please know our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Frank and Cassandra Ravencroft

Tim Araiza

July 29, 2009

My heart felt condolences go out to the D'Amato famiy. Ben was a nice and honorable man with a incredible family, his loss will be felt in so many ways.
God Bless

Matt Nyby

July 29, 2009

Ben was more than a neighbor when I was growing up, he was a good friend. His presence will be greatly missed. My sympathies to the D'Amato family

July 29, 2009

Jacque and Family...Your loss is felt by many. It's just not suppose to happen this way...Our children, our gandchildren are our most precious in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gods strength!

Sincerely, Vickie Hunter
Mary Hunter Anderson

Fall 08 Vipers....

July 29, 2009

Spring Vipers.....

Stephanie Feagin

July 29, 2009

My family and I are so deeply saddened by the loss of Ben. We knew him out on the softball field with his daughters, Sarah abd Rebekah. He was truly a devoted dad. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family....we all will miss him dearly.....

Ginger Strahan

July 29, 2009

Vince and family: My heart hurts for you all. I didn't know your Ben, but I know how much I love my Ben and ALL my sympathies are with you in this time of sorrow. May you have the Lord's peace with you to bear the burden.

The Boonjter Family

July 29, 2009

Maria - know that our hearts are deeply grieved for you and the kids. There are no words nor actions that can comfort you right now except that we all loved Ben dearly and we will miss him. Wrestling has been changed forever - he was such a wonderful support for our boys and the team at Foothill. He was a constant encouragement to Chase and Tye. We will miss his smile. He was a great man.

July 29, 2009

So sorry. Sheryl (Little) Sampley.

July 29, 2009

Vince-
We were so saddened to hear of your son's passing. May your cherished memories of him help you through this very difficult time. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Mike and Nancy Leonard (Redding, CA)

Abigail (Zumwalt) Kuhns

July 29, 2009

So many of my childhood memories involve Ben, my sympathies to his family.

Irene & Augie Ruiz

July 29, 2009

Maria and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Augie really cared for Ben and was sad to have loss touch the last few years after he left SPI. They applied & started at SPI together. This comes as such a shock. Ben was a big hearted guy who loved everyone and never passed judgement.
He will be missed.

July 29, 2009

Our hearts go out to the D'Amato family. Such a deep loss will be felt by all who knew Ben.

Howard McCartin Family

Jacob Marriott

July 29, 2009

To the D'Amoto Family,

You have my deapest sympathies and condolances for the loss of Ben, he was a good friend of mine in school, and will be missed. I wish I could attend his funeral as I live in Utah now. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of grief. Jacob Marriott

Tony Barletto

July 29, 2009

Benny and I played football together at Shasta High. We had some great times together. He will be greatly missed.
My sympathies to the D'Amato family.

Don Mangrum

July 29, 2009

Vince and family: I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds as though Ben followed his father's example. Having known you, I am sure he was a kind, considerate and caring young man. I will pray for strength and peace through God's grace for your family.

Tim Mapes

July 29, 2009

I saw Ben a couple months ago at the gym. We talked like it has been a couple days...not 15 years since we had seen each other. Nothing had changed...Ben was the same happy/genuine person I will always remember. That is the image many will have...and it's a good one. You will be missed Ben.

C. Jason Dillard

July 28, 2009

My deepest sympathies go out to the entire D'Amato Family. I have known Ben since 6th grade through high school. Ben was a wonderful person. May he rest in peace.

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