Michael Emanuele Damonte

1952 - 2024

Michael Emanuele Damonte
08/12/1952 - 05/26/2024
Michael Emanuele Damonte was born on August 12, 1952 and raised by his parents Midge and Carolyn Damonte in South San Francisco with his six siblings. Known as Mike to friends and family, he spent the majority of his life in the place he loved the most, the Damonte Family "Hubcap Ranch" in Pope Valley, CA. Mike passed away suddenly but peacefully on May 26, 2024. He lived life the way he wanted; full of friends, fishing, hunting, water skiing, rodeo, farming, laughing and telling stories.
In 1979, Mike moved to Pope Valley to care for his grandfather, Litto, and the family's ranch, and proudly carried on the legacy and family heritage from his grandfather. The Hubcap Ranch stands as a testament to his dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of his community and his family.
He was committed to the safety and well-being of his community and served them in innumerable ways for over fifty years. He worked as a mechanic at the Pope Valley Garage, was a long-standing member of the local school board (following his father's passion for supporting education), a supporter and board member for both the Pope Valley Farm Center and Pope Valley Roper's & Rider's, a Fleet Maintenance Manager on the Board of Directors of Angwin Community Ambulance, and as the resident Santa Claus for 3 generations of Pope Valley Elementary School kids.
But more than any other role he played in Pope Valley, Mike was known for serving as a volunteer firefighter for his community in Pope Valley for over thirty years. He was honored to be the Chief of the Volunteer Department for the last six years of his service. For many of those thirty years, Mike was one of very few EMT's here, and often the first person you'd see when you called for help. He led the Department and responded to countless calls and fires with bravery, competence and compassion. Even into his 60's, with bad knees, Mike was the first to the station, where he'd hop into the driver's seat of Rescue 20, and respond to those in crisis, as he had for the last thirty years.
Mike was a community man. He loved Pope Valley, his family and the Hubcap Ranch. Always generous with his time and skills, Mike was the guy that people would call when they needed help. Sometimes in Pope Valley, 911 calls were the second call made in emergencies, the first call being to Mike's home phone.
Mike was a loving son, husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Shannon; his sons, Sam and Litto; daughters, Courtney and Kelsey; and granddaughter, Hayden, who were all the pride and joy of his life, as well as his siblings, many nieces and nephews, and friends. Mike's family and friends will forever remember his generous spirit, warm heart, and the countless memories they shared with him. His impact will be felt and forever seen in the landscape and culture of the Pope Valley community.
If you wish to honor Mike's memory, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Pope Valley Farm Center.
A celebration of life for Mike will be held on August 17, 2024, at 12pm at the Pope Valley Farm Center, located at 5820 Chiles Pope Valley Road. If you would like, you can bring a favorite dish to share.