Rick Damato

December 11th, 2023

I miss Ricky. He was and always will be one of a kind.
I have a lifetime of memories with him. and it hurts that we won’t make more.

~Pam
~My brother, Chicago

December 11th, 2023

You really can’t describe a relationship with Rick in a single day let alone a paragraph. I think what sums up what he meant to me was on the morning of his passing I was driving thru the New Mexico desert with my lovely wife Mickey. We had been in the bleakest of desert, just mind numbing depressing and shortly after hearing news of his passing the most beautiful forest I’ve ever seen popped out of nowhere, the Sitgreaves National Forest. And then as soon as it appeared, it returned to desert.

Thanks Rick, I believe that was you in that moment, in that forest. It was exactly the reassurance I needed from you.

~Gordy Power
~Friend, Barrington, IL

December 7th, 2023

I so remember the day that my dear friend Dean told me that he had met someone so very many years ago. I was so happy for him then, and so glad that Rick was in his life for so many years. I’m sorry that I couldn’t be at the service, but thank you for allowing me to watch as if I was there.
All my love to Dean and the rest of the family during this difficult time. May Rick’s memory be a blessing.

~Carolyn DeSanti
~Friend, Wellington, FL

December 7th, 2023

There are so many amazing memories of you…I am so incredibly lucky to have you as Mi Familigia. Your gift of gab and making everyone feel good about themselves will be sorely missed. You are loved by so many, but especially me. I hope you are dancing and singing. I’ll see you in the clouds.

~Rosann Domoto
~First Cousin, Roseville, CA, Roseville

December 7th, 2023

Rick always had a way of making me smile at family get togthers, whether it was with kindness or wit.

He raised a beautiful family and lived to see his grandchildren. Still, too soon departed.

Miss ya’ old friend.

~Colin Riordon
~Family Friend., Chillicothe, Il

December 7th, 2023

It was difficult to chose just one memory and one photo, because we had so many wonderful times with Rick, This memory shows the goofy side we all knew very well and he will be missed by all of us here at AMB.

~AMB Family
~Employees, Roselle

December 7th, 2023

This is a text I wrote to Dean the other day.., Dean I hope you don’t mind me sharing it… it just says everything I feel about Rick.., and you.💔

Dear one. Once again it’s almost impossible to think of the words… but of course I’ll try.
I’ve told you many times that I’d love to have a love like yours. I imagine this only serves for you to ask: then why do I have to lose him? Why him when there’s awful people still roaming the earth? Obviously I just don’t have a clue…. but I do know that you two had a love affair for the ages…and I simply can’t imagine one of you without the other.
Just the other day, Thanksgiving actually, I was talking to my cousin about how I used to ask my kids to look for role models of good marriages they might emulate because their parents’ marriage sucked. I called Jordi over and first one out of her mouth: Rick and Dean.
And your heart wouldn’t be so shattered if it wasn’t such a supreme life. Your love story took you all over the world, in and out of religion, trailer parks, dealing with a blended family, always putting Tikkun Olam first … and so much laughter. Booming laughter every single time I was in your presence; at some point the laughter always came. It’s why everyone wants to be in your presence. It’s such sunshine and joy.
And tender caring when it’s called for.

Every single person you’ve ever known has seen the unbreakable bond of love, sheer fun and sometimes the need to compromise like every couple. Well I’ve seen maybe a few compromises taking place, but they’re always with grace and without anger. Amazing! Who could wish for more? You’ve given one another what every human wants. Maybe not the perfect partner, but who has that?! And you two have come as close as anyone I’v ever known : Truth.

Rick has so many extraordinary attributes: empathy to the maximal degree .. but also values he’d stand up and fight for. The way he asks someone a truly interested question, and then sort of leans in and peers into one’s face really waiting for a genuine response. Making friends with every gd person in any public space with absolutely no hesitation. He loves people and we know it. We just naturally want to be his friend as well.

I have much more so say…It’s actually just as difficult for me to write it, or maybe even harder, than I had anticipated….But I’ll probably keep adding to this over time. It makes ME
feel better. And there are so many hearts needing to feel better just now. You have a lovely support network of people who adore you. I’m one. Please keep me in the loop or make Ellyn.
Because you are tucked so deep in my heart it has you in my thoughts 24/7.
I love you with my whole heart.
❤️💔v.
Sent from my iPhone

~Vicki Lachmann
~Friend, Portland, Or

December 7th, 2023

Phillip and Jamie, so sorry for your loss.

~Neil Borland
~Friend, Rolling Meadows

December 7th, 2023

The greatest grandfather I could have had.

I remember when I was younger he told me the most important story I’ve ever heard from him, he told me that when he was younger and around my age, which was Jr. high at the time, he figured out he was gay. He described how he kept it hidden for so long during his life and how it made him feel so repressed. When he got older he decided to stop hiding it and become an openly gay man, and since that day he was the happiest he’d ever been, even more so when he met Papa.
I’ve always held that story so close to my heart, since during 7th grade I started questioning my own sexuality, but because I had my grandpa as a role model I never felt any self consciousness or doubt in myself for who I was, and I never felt the need to hide who I was.

He did exactly what a grandpa is meant to do, pass their life lessons down to their children and grandchildren, and he offered me one of the most important lessons I’ve ever lived by.
I’ll never forget him, and I’ll forever cherish every moment we had together.

~Aidan Eli Damato
~Grandson, Glen Ellyn, Illinois

December 7th, 2023

Dean,
Denise & I are heartbroken to learn about Rick’s passing. Our relationship goes back decades . Ricks had such a warm personality and he was a people person.
We are wishing Dean peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever remember Rick
Mike & Denise

~Michael & Denise Procaccio
~Friends, Bloomingdale, Ill

December 7th, 2023

A dear cousin who I met in Oakland, CA in 1948.
A great loss for the whole family.
Barry and Juraine Golin

~Barry Golin
~Cousin, Sarasota Florida

December 7th, 2023

Hard to ever remember a time when he wasn’t smiling or laughing. Was always so warm and welcoming. Will be missed by many. Rest in peace Mr. D.

~Cory
~Family friend, St. Charles, IL

December 6th, 2023

An infectious smile, a good glass of wine, your love of people especially Dean and your family, intelligence, charm and wit will be missed by all the lives you’ve touched. Rest in peace dear Rick.

~Steven Levy
~Campit Friend, Miami

December 6th, 2023

Unforgettable memories to an amazing and unforgettable man. Dan and I will miss so many happy times.

~Bonnie Kallen & Dan Fisher
~Friends, West Chicago

December 6th, 2023

Could not have asked for more giving and loving friends. Rick was so fun, energetic., always a smile. So many wonderful memories that will never be replaced and so cherished. We love you.

~Bonnie and Dan
~Loving friends, West

December 6th, 2023

50 years of guidance and friendship, thanks dad. I Miss you

~Phillip Damato
~Son,

December 6th, 2023

My dear friend Rosann Domoto introduced me to her delightful cousins, Rick and Dean. So much fun visiting them over the years, laughing, eating, drinking, and going for big adventures.
May our grief pass & leave only wonderful memories behind❤️☮️

~Colleen Watters
~Friend, Sacramento, CA

December 6th, 2023

Grandpa was so sweet and always had an uplifting mood every time I saw him, I never saw him sad. He was AMAZING. I will miss him a lot❤️❤️

~Sadie Migdal
~Granddaughter, Chicago IL

December 6th, 2023

The energy he had would always light up the office.. He would always have a smile on his.

~Victoria Dugar
~Friend/Employee, Colorado Springs

December 6th, 2023

Typical evening hanging out with wine and goodies. The kitchen was completely torn up during renovations .
As always, Rick and Dean wanted to share their home with those the love.

~Ellen Rowley
~Dear Friend, Venice FL

December 6th, 2023

Not possible to select a single memory… 53 years was just not enough time.

~Jamie Damato Migdal
~Daughter, Evanston

December 6th, 2023

Rick, thank you so much for your friendship . Your big warm and inviting smile always made Robert and I feel welcome. R.I.P, my friend.

~Curtis & Robert Calderon-Jones
~Friends (The Campit Years), Chicago, Il