Amandio James DeCoito

Amandio James (AJ) DeCoito, 23, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his residence at Virginia Beach, VA, Sunday, October 16, 2011. AJ was born in Beverly, MA but soon relocated with his family to Cape Cod. AJ was an outstanding academic student, graduating from Barnstable High School with the class of 2006. He later attended Cape Cod Community College before enlisting in the US Navy in November, 2008. Stationed at Little Creek, VA, AJ held the rank of Petty Officer Second Class performing his duties as a Navy Cryptologic Technician (CTN). AJ was one of approximately 600 CTNs in the Navy whose mission is to detect, protect, react and respond to threats against Navy networks.

AJ leaves his mother, Tia Johnston and stepfather Kevin Johnston of Yarmouthport, MA and father, James DeCoito of Groveland, MA. AJ was the beloved grandson of Robert and Linda Guarino of Barnstable, MA and of Amandio DeCoito of Groveland. AJ was predeceased by his younger brother James Robert DeCoito. He is also survived by several loving uncles, aunts, and many cousins.

AJ had a number of interests during his time with us including computers and other technologies, boating, physical fitness and other athletic activities including lacrosse at Barnstable High School. While in Virginia, he was active in the community, including the SPCA and the Southeastern Food Bank of Virginia. AJ treasured most his family and his long-standing relationships with his many friends, some of whom have remained friends since their days in elementary school. He also cherished the fellowship with his friends and coworkers in the US Navy.

AJ displayed unlimited potential in his chosen career field, demonstrating great skill in his Naval duties, receiving Meritorious Performance recognition for outstanding academic accomplishment at CTN training at the Center for Information Dominance, Pensacola, FL as well as rapid promotion to his current rank and grade. In a letter from Captain Alan F. Kukulies, AJ was described as a “well-liked and dedicated Petty Officer who honored his country and the Naval service by the work he did at Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command and throughout his Naval career. His distinct personality and expertise made an immediate impact on those around him. He quickly gained the friendship of peers and subordinates alike and had a reputation as one of the finest Petty Officers in the command.”

AJ was a reserved young man, but had great ambition, intellect and the confidence to achieve great things. His quiet kindess and concern for others will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at the Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA from 11-1pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 1pm. Interment with full military honors will follow immediately at the Lothrop Hill Cemetery on Rte. 6A, in Barnstable, MA. Donations in AJ’s memory may be made to The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445, Attn: Contribution Services.