Joseph L. D'Amico

Lt Col Joseph Leonard D’Amico, USAF Ret., passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 26, 2022 in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 84. He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa who will be dearly missed.

Joe was born on May 3,1937 in New Castle, Pennsylvania to Leonard and Ann D’Amico. He’s a graduate of North Beaver Township High School in Mt. Jackson, PA. He attended Youngstown, Centenary, and Troy Universities, earning his degree in Business Administration. Growing up farming and working in the steel mills of western Pennsylvania, he often looked to the skies for inspiration and joined the United States Air Force. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1960, became a B-52 Navigator and was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. There he met his wife Gerry and they were married in 1963. Joe spent 20 years in the Air Force flying B-52s and FB-111s before retiring in 1980. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War flying over 80 combat missions in B-52s. He’s a recipient of the Bronze Star, Air Medal (10OLC), Air Force Commendation Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Combat Readiness Medal (10OLC), Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon (4OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (4 Bronze Stars), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Joe worked for Dokter Trucking after the Air Force until retiring full time in 1994. Joe and Gerry sold their house and became full time RV’ers traveling the country in their motor home, splitting a majority of their time between Florida and Nebraska. Joe and Gerry were married for 59 loving years, despite being cooped up in 40 ft metal tube for the last 26 years! He was avid fan of NASCAR, Kansas City Royals baseball, and all things Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and sister Patty. He is survived by his wife Gerry (Tupa); brother Mike and his wife Kathy, sons Lenny and his wife Janet; Joe and his wife Susie; Byron and his wife Carla; grandsons Nick, Brandon, and Cole; great-grandson Joseph and numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be held 10 AM, Mar 3, 2022, at the Omaha National Cemetery.

Memorials in lieu of flowers to The Monarch, 4201 S. 78th St, Lincoln, NE 68506, themonarchbyeastmont.org.