Phillip Eugene D'Amato

1935 - 2025

Niantic - Phillip Eugene D'Amato, 89, loving husband to the love of his life for 70 years, Nancy (McGrath) D'Amato, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.

Phillip was born in New Britain, Feb. 8, 1935, to the late Eugene and Rose (Bindas) D'Amato. He grew up in Cromwell and attended Middletown High School. He eventually moved to Plainville and most recently made his home in Niantic.

Phillip entered the U.S. Navy in 1954 and was assigned to the USS Coral Sea aircraft carrier. He worked for the State of Connecticut in the Revenue Department for 25 years.

Phillip was, first and foremost, a devoted family man who supported his children, grandchildren and the organizations that supported them. As a founding member of the Plainville High School Backers Club and Plainville Midget Football, Phillip chaired and supported numerous fundraisers. He rarely missed a sporting event or school activity for his children and grandchildren and was always their biggest cheerleader.

A devout man of faith, Phillip was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville and St. Agnes Church in Niantic. He was civic minded through his memberships in the Knights of Columbus, The American Legion and the Elks Club. He and his wife actively volunteered at the New London Food Pantry. The ultimate gentleman, Phillip never turned down the opportunity to lend comfort and support to all in need, and his home was always a place of laughter and hospitality.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, he is survived by his four children, Brian D'Amato and wife Gina Batali from Arizona, Diane D'Amato from Niantic, Keith D'Amato and his wife Cathy from Berlin, and Donna D'Amato and her partner Steven Matthess from North Franklin. He was blessed with eleven beautiful grandchildren, Michael D'Amato (Yvonne), Carly D'Amato (Joe Gildner), Natalie D'Amato, Melissa Rahn (Kevin), Shawn Martin (Samantha), Carina Keenan (Matthew), Lia McDermott (Matthew), Nina D'Amato (Benjamin Floch), Jenna Vinelli, Zachary Vinelli and Ethan Vinelli. He also leaves behind his great-granddaughter, Nora Keenan, who always brought a smile to his face.

Phillip is also survived by his brother, Donald D'Amato (Judy); and sisters, Laura Gett and Amanda DelMastro (Edward) and a brother-in-law, Henry Adamowicz; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Constance Czlapinski and Joan Adamowicz; and brothers-in-law, Larry Gett and Joseph Czlapinski.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh Avenue, Niantic. Burial with Military Honors will be held at the State Veterans Cemetery directly after mass at 317 Bow Lane, Middletown. Condolences may be shared on Mr. D'Amato's memorial page at neilanfuneralhome.com