Thomas Joseph D'Amore Sr.

Tom was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1933 to his mother, Rose, and father, Pasquale D’Amore. He was one of 12 children in a close-knit, hardworking Italian-American family. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, where he was stationed in Germany.

After his military service, Tom returned home and married his sweetheart, Judith Proudlock, in 1960. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love, family, and faith that lasted more than 65 years.

Tom spent much of his career working with the ILA unions at Port Newark and later at the Port of Tampa in Florida. He was a devoted provider who made countless sacrifices for his family. Even during hard times, he ensured his children received a Catholic education, took them on annual family vacations to Florida before moving to Seminole in 1976. Never forgetting the summer memories at their Lake house on Culver Lake in New Jersey.

Tom had a few passions—he loved drumming, playing the piano, eating Italian meals, and he loved to play the lottery. He was a diehard Rays and Lightning fan. But nothing meant more to him than his family. So much so that to countless friends, and even the children of family friends, he was lovingly known simply as “Uncle Tommy” or “Mr. D” whether they were related by blood or not. He had a way of making everyone feel like family and loved. He always had a smile and twinkle in his eye.

He is predeceased by all of his 11 siblings and by his beloved son Joey, with whom he will now rest. He is survived by his loving wife Judith; his children Tommy (Judy), Valerie (Andrew), and Elaine; his grandsons Austin, Evan, Drew, Preston, and Nicholas Long. Also, leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church on Friday, July 25 at 11:00 a.m., which will be livestreamed, link below, followed by burial at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park in Largo, Florida, beside his son Joey.

stjeromeonline.org

Click on livestream icon to watch. July 25 D'Amore Funeral.

A reception and celebration of Tom’s life will follow immediately at Serenity Funeral Home.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Empath/Suncoast Hospice.