Emily C. Damiano

EMILY CATHERINE DAMIANO, was born a “Key West Conch,” the daughter of Philip & Eloise Carbonell. In 1935, Emily and her family moved to Miami, arriving on the last train out of Key West, before the Overseas Railroad was destroyed by the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. Emily graduated from Miami High and on November 19, 1938, she married Victor Damiano, a recent arrival from New York. Emily and Vic remained as one for the next 54 years. With little more than Vic’s skill as a baker and Emily’s desire to better both their families, they began their joint business career by selling baked goods out of the back of a station wagon.

During WWII they served the local armed forces as a civilian commissary. After years and years of early mornings and late nights, their business evolved into National Air Caterers (NAC). The job of NAC was to provide in flight chefs and gourmet meals on the new international flights between Miami and South America. At its peak, NAC employed over 200 people and had kitchens throughout South America. One of their initial customers was famed WWI Ace, Eddie Rickenbacker, founder of Eastern Airlines. After the sale of NAC, Vic & Emily remained active in the Miami business community, until the death of Vic in 1993. With the passing of Vic, Emily turned her attention to providing aid to children and animals. That aid continued (and will continue) by way of the Victor and Emily C. Damiano Charitable Trust.

When Emily first arrived in Miami it was, for most of the year, a small southern town, on its way to becoming a world destination. The growth in Miami was due, in part, to the joint contribution from Vic & Emily. They were blessed to be in the right place, at the right time, and to make a difference. Only a few are fortunate to make a positive difference, by their presence-Emily was one of the fortunate few.

Emily is survived by her loving daughter, Yvonne Eldredge; her grandchildren, Ronald & Bradley Siddall; her great grandchildren, Dylan & Dayna Siddall; and her sister, Sylvia (Ruthie) Carbonell.

A viewing and service will be held at Caballero Rivero Funeral Home, 3344 S.W. 8th St., Miami, FL 33135 on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 9:30-11:00 A.M.

In the event anyone desires to donate, in memory of Emily, kindly consider: Humane Society of Greater Miami, 16101 West Dixie Highway, N. Miami.