He was born in Hartford, CT to Joseph R. DaMotta and Jeannette Dube DaMotta on April 4, 1966. Besides his parents, Jeff leaves behind his brothers Joseph E., James M. and his wife Tina Gagnon, and Jeremy M. and his wife Jorie Butler. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews: Anthony and Karen DaMotta; William, Storm, Chance, and Carrolline Butler; and Margaret and John DaMotta. Jeff was predeceased by his brother John.
As a kid Jeff loved to play and watch baseball, and he loved to fish in the Farmington River behind the house where he grew up. He was an enthusiastic reader and a talented cook. A good steak from Jeff’s grill was something to savor. But mostly he liked being with people and having fun.
Jeff announced that he wanted to join the USCG when he was 10 years old and never wavered from that decision. He enlisted soon after graduation from the University of Hartford in 1988. He was a dedicated Rescue Swimmer and spent 23 happy years serving his country with his fellow Coasties before retiring in 2012. After retirement, he resumed his education at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, earning a second Bachelor’s degree in 2015, this time in Accounting, and finally a Master’s Degree in Accountancy in 2017. The following year he passed the Florida CPA exam.
Jeff was serious about setting and pursuing goals, and yet he managed to see humor in everyday situations. He kept his family and friends laughing. He will be sorely missed.
Friends and family may call on Monday, February 10 at the Palm Harbor Life Celebration Center, 2550 Highlands Blvd., Palm Harbor, FL from 11:30-1:30. The service will be followed by a Memorial Service 3pm at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard, St. Petersburg, FL.
Jeff was dedicated to his Coast Guard family. For those who would like to make donations in his name, Jeff would be pleased to sponsor support of his beloved Coast Guard mates through the Coast Guard Foundation or other Coast Guard charity.
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