At the end of his enlistment in 1947, John enrolled in the January 1948 class at the University of Maryland competing for a football scholarship. Injuries during his freshman year ended that pursuit. Using his G.I. Bill benefits, as well as working part-time to subsidize finances, John graduated in 1955 with a B.S. degree in Physical Education. He was a member and past vice president of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity.

After graduation John worked as a salesman for his brother-in-law A.H. Somers Jr., owner of the Somers & Somers Paint Store. Upon the death of Al Somers, John assumed the presidency of the company and under his direction, opened a second store on New Canaan Ave. that was eventually lost due to the construction of the Route connector. Following this, John took a position as the Southern Connecticut Sales Representative with State-Leed Distributors, paint, wallpaper & building supply company covering the New England states. After 22 years with State-Leed the company was purchased by the much larger 5 Star Group covering most of the east coast. In a similar sales position for 13 years, John retired from the 5 Star Group in 1998.

John was a long time member of the Laurel Athletic Club and served in all offices and as President for 8 consecutive years, the only member ever to do so. He was one of only 8 members to be awarded “Life Member” designation since the Laurel Club was founded in 1929. In 1993 he was awarded the prestigious Joseph A. Marino Memorial Award for leadership by the awards committee. During his tenure as president, he established a search committee for the purpose of finding a new location for the growing LAC. Under his direction the site chosen was its present location at 12 North Avenue where the 88 year-old club is still thriving.

Also during his LAC presidency, Tom Skidd and Willard Williams, Sports Editor of The Hour, invited him, along with other Norwalk sportsmen, to assist in organizing the Norwalk Old Timers Athletic Association in 1963. He served as President in 1965, 1993 & 1994. He was honored at the Norwalk Old-timers Award Dinner in 1985.

In 1995 John joined with Michael Errico, Pat Spinola and Tom Corbo to establish the Norwalk High School Alumni Association that promotes social activities and a scholarship program. John served as President for two years and also as Scholarship Chairman for several years.

John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Geraldine (Jerry) Mead D’Amato, a son John (Skip) and wife Kimberly, grandchildren Jaime and Michael D’Amato; a daughter, Linda D. Hayes and granddaughter Caitlin Hayes, sisters Mary Somers Marino and Ann D’Amato Artell, sister-in-law Marion D. D’Amato, several nieces and nephews, extended family, two goddaughters and many very special friends. His older brother Victor predeceased him.

John was a devoted husband, a loving father and a doting grandfather and was as true and loyal friend to many. He was a kind, gentle, generous and loving person who gave freely of his talents and time. He was hardworking and dedicated to his special pursuits. He totally enjoyed his patriarchal family position and was always available to all of them. He had a lifelong dedication to the LAC, loved to play golf, enjoyed gardening, and travel. He will be greatly missed by family and friends and always in our thoughts and hearts.

John was a former member of the Chamber of Commerce, a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 46, American Legion Frank C. Godfrey Post, University of Maryland Alumni Association and the Connecticut Paint Salesmen’s Association.