Stephen was born in North Tarrytown, “Sleepy Hollow”, New York to Stephen Joseph Damin Sr. and Esther Mary Ferenci. He attended Sleepy Hollow High School in the late 50’s. He joined the army in 1959 and served 23 years before retiring. He was a participant in four major campaigns and was awarded two purple hearts in combat during the Vietnam War. Stephen received his associate degree in real estate at Community College and shortly after earned his license.
Stephen married Virginia Martinez on September 30, 1961, while stationed in El Paso at Fort Bliss. They were married for 64 years.
Stephen attended Holy Cross Catholic Church and was an altar boy alongside his uncle, Father Joe Damin. He played ice hockey for his High School, and he was a member of the Rescue Squad, a first responder team. He worked together with his father, a firefighter.
Stephen joined the army at 17 and was stationed at Ft. Bliss. He was an exceptional soldier and at a young age he oversaw his own platoon. After his military service Stephen was employed as a civil servant in Alameda, Ca. and Amarillo, Tx with Pantex. Nickname- “The Sheriff”.
Stephen loved being active in bowling, camping, fishing, and involving all his grandchildren in these activities that meant so much to him. He was always ready to jump into action to help with any emergency and was always a very proud Vietnam Veteran.
Stephen is survived by his wife Virginia, his children Stephen J Damin III (Shannon) of Frisco, Tx. Mrs. Sandra Marshall (Keith) of El Paso, Tx, John Damin (Eileen) of El Paso, Tx, and Mrs. Heidi Cushing (Tommy) of Prosper, Tx. He is also survived by two sisters, Patricia Damin and Bernadette Schafranski of New York. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Stephen is predeceased by his parents Stephen and Esther Damin and two sisters, Virginia Smutek and Barbara Lynott.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday November 19, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with Rosary at 6:00 pm and a funeral Mass at 7:00 pm at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church (10000 Pheasant Rd, El Paso, Texas 79924).
A Committal service will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:00 am at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery (5200 Fred Wilson Ave. El Paso, Texas 79906). Procession from the Funeraria Del Angel Restlawn at 10:30 am to Ft. Bliss.
Donations can be given to Military Order of the Purple Heart Lonestar Chapter 393 or any other military veterans organization.
