Joseph Thomas D'Amico Jr.

February 9, 1990 - February 10, 2021

Joseph T. D’Amico, Jr. passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, February 10, the day after his 31st birthday. He was in California, serving in the Navy at Camp Pendleton when he became ill. He was hospitalized, but despite heroic efforts, he was unable to recover. He was an organ donor and his family takes comfort in the fact that its loss has provided a new lease on life for three others. A man in his 50s received his heart and left kidney. A 16-year-old received his right kidney, and a man in his 40s, who was at the top of the transplant list, received his liver. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Doris & Bob Nussbaumer and Ed Thomas, Sr.; and paternal uncles Chris D’Amico and Tony D’Amico, Jr. He is survived by his paternal grandparents, Antonio and Regina D’Amico of Lewes; maternal grandmother Pat Thomas of Wilmington, DE; parents Joe and Mary Beth D’Amico of Lewes; sisters Gina D’Amico (Brian Chorney) of St. Petersburg, FL, Veronica D’Amico (John Brown) and nephew Johnathon Brown, of Wilmington, DE; his canine “sister” Peanut, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A Lewes native and member of Cape Henlopen HS Class of 2008, Joseph also held an Associate in Applied Science - Turf Management Degree from Delaware Technical and Community College. Prior to joining the Navy, Joseph worked at Rehoboth Country Club Golf Course, Activ Pest Solutions, and many summers in the concession stand at Jungle Jim’s in Rehoboth. He was a talented athlete who enjoyed analyzing and watching sports as much as playing them. He loved the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, and Wawa, but hated that he couldn’t get a good hoagie or a Yuengling in Southern California. When he wasn’t on duty, Joseph enjoyed playing golf and finding new ways to experiment in the kitchen. His family is grateful he was able to return to Delaware recently for his favorite holiday celebration - the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no in-person service. A celebration of life via live streaming will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 4:00 PM. All are welcome to join the stream by visiting the following link: http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/9853242/LTWebcast Joseph will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, DE. In lieu of flowers, honor Joseph’s memory in any or all of the following ways: 1. Pray for the health of those who received his organs and tissues. Consider becoming an organ donor if you aren’t already, and make sure your family knows your wishes. 2. Raise a glass of Yuengling or eat a Wawa hoagie, two things he enjoyed but couldn’t get in California. 3. Foster or adopt a shelter dog or donate to a local animal rescue organization. Joseph was the family’s “foster failure” dog Peanut’s favorite person. He loved her like a sister. 4. Wear with pride some Eagles green, Phillies red, or Navy blue. Joseph bled these colors. 5. Play a round of golf, run a race, go fishing. Enjoy the outdoors whenever you can. 6. Take care of yourself. Recognize when something is wrong and be brave enough to seek help. 7. Hug your family members whenever you can. Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.