Howard B. D'Amico, 86
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - Longtime businessman and civic leader Howard B. D'Amico, 86, of 19 Bracewell Ave. died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, at North Adams Regional Hospital. "The Chief" drew his last breath attended by caring, gentle hands.
Born in North Adams on June 8, 1925, son of Benjamin and Teresa Musk D'Amico, he attended Peekskill (N.Y.) Military Academy but his education was interrupted in 1943 when he joined the Army Air Forces. He later attended Drury High School and the former North Adams State College. He and other World War II veterans received their long overdue Drury High diplomas from Mayor John Barrett III in 2000 at a special ceremony.
A decorated veteran of World War II, he served as a ball turret gunner in a B-17 bomber from Aug. 14, 1943, to March 3, 1946. He retired at age 62 as a chief master sergeant after a long and distinguished career on active and reserve duty in the Air Force.
Mr. D'Amico and his wife, the former Claire T. Green, owned and operated Claire's Photo Shop on Eagle Street for 35 years. He also was employed as a firefighter for the city of North Adams.
A very active civic leader, he was involved in many community projects and served on many city committees including a school building committee, the Planning Board, as chairman of the Rent Control Board and on the former Community Development Corp. He was a member and past commander of Peter A. Cook VFW Post 9144 in Clarksburg and was a life member and past commander of both the North Adams and Dalton American Legions, and a former district commander of the American Legion. He was also a member of the Sons of Italy.
His wife, whom he married in North Adams on Nov. 15, 1952, died on July 8, 2007.
He leaves a daughter, Cindy Shepard; three sons, Peter H. D'Amico, Paul H. D'Amico and Howard B. D'Amico Jr. of Douglas; his brother, Norman D'Amico of North Adams; four grandchildren, Amy and Laurie Shepard and Thomas and Laurin D'Amico, and his longtime friend Jeffrey Levanos.
Another son, Mark D'Amico, died in 2008.
FUNERAL NOTICE - A calling hour for Mr. D'Amico will be held Thursday, Feb. 2, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., followee by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clarksburg VFW in care of the funeral home.