Michael D'Amato

Retired from FDNY Engine 152

Michael P. D'Amato, 85, died peacefully on April 26, 2021 at Staten Island University Hospital of heart disease, surrounded by his family. A lifelong Staten Islander, Michael was born in New Brighton to Francesco and Filomena (Murante) D'Amato who had recently emigrated from Vinchiaturo, in the Italian Province of Campobasso. He was a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, West Brighton.

Michael graduated from P.S. 17 and McKee High School where he was named to the school's permanent honor roll. After his graduation he worked as an electrician was drafted into the Army where he served at West Point, NY. After his service, Michael joined the New York City Fire Department where he spent 38 years as a firefighter retiring from Engine 152 in Rosebank.

Michael was married to his beloved wife and best friend Catharine (Fluhr) for 49 years. They raised three daughters, Adrienne, MaryCatharine (MaryCate) and Christina in Livingston. Michael was a quiet, kind and gentle soul. He enjoyed reading, history, listening to opera and spending time with his family. An excellent cook, he loved feeding family and friends and when he was in the firehouse, his fellow firefighters. He was renowned for his eggplant parmesan, chocolate pie, cakes and breads. Michael was a craftsman at heart and found great joy working with his hands. Whether building or fixing there was always a project to tend to, his own or that of a loved one. He was a member of the St. Bernardino Society and the FDNY Retired Firefighters Staten Island.

Michael was predeceased by his beloved daughter MaryCate, his parents Francesco and Filomena and his brother-in-law and friend Michael Fluhr (Mary). He is survived by his wife Catharine and daughters Adrienne (Erik) and Christina and his cherished grandchildren Genevieve and Luke. Michael was also survived by his brother Joseph (Barbara), sister Nancy Carroll (Jim), his aunt Dorethea of Toronto, brothers-in-law Philip Fluhr (Rhea) and Walter Fluhr (Barbara), 14 nieces and nephews, 17 grand nieces and nephews and two great grand nephews and many cousins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 29, from 4:00-8:00 pm at Casey Funeral Home 350 Slosson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, April 30 at 10:15am at the Church of St. Charles, 644 Clawson Street, Staten Island New York, 10306 with internment to follow at Moravian Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations in Michael D'Amato's honor can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/, 718-987-1931.