Antonio John D'Amico Sr.'s Obituary
Antonio J. D’Amico, Sr. of Lewes passed away on Friday, May 2 surrounded by his family at the Veterans Home in Milford, just a few weeks shy of his 100th birthday.
A Magnolia, NJ native, Tony was the last surviving of his parents’ 13 first-generation Italian-American children. Along with four of his brothers, he proudly served his country during World War II, enlisting in the US Navy in 1942. He served as a Coxswain on the USS Electra in the Pacific Theater, earning four ribbons and a Victory Medal.
After his honorable discharge Tony met and married the love of his life, Regina “Jean” Berger, in 1947. They raised their four sons in Camden, NJ, but moved to Lewes in retirement following sons Joe and Tony, Jr.
Never one to sit still, Tony continued to work after his initial retirement in both paid and volunteer positions. He helped his sons with their business until it was sold in 2006, then worked part time at The Waterstill South until he turned 85. That’s when he became more involved with the Lewes Senior Activity Center, volunteering and serving on its Board, until his body finally made him take it easy, well into his 90’s.
Tony loved sharing coffee and stories with anyone. He was part of a special group who met in the early mornings and solved the world’s problems at McDonalds, but Tony would join a spirited conversation anywhere. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and their children.
Although he was a careful spender, Tony also quietly made sure no one in his circle went without basic needs. When times were tough for someone he loved, a needed item or cash would somehow just magically appear. Tony's kindness and generosity will always be remembered.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, A. Franco and Antonina Briguglio D’Amico, his 12 siblings, his sons Chris D’Amico and Tony D’Amico, Jr., and grandson Joseph T. D’Amico, Jr.
Tony is survived by his loving wife of 78 years Regina D’Amico; his sons Michael D’Amico and Joe D’Amico (Mary Beth) of Lewes; daughter-in-law Christine D’Amico of Oceanport, NJ; grandchildren Gina D’Amico (Brian Chorney) of Montgomery Village, MD, Veronica Brown (John) of Wilmington, DE, Matthew D’Amico (Brittany) of Brooklyn, NY, Suzanne D’Amico of Philadelphia, PA; and great grandchildren Johnathon Brown, Rylan Chorney, Ella Brown, and Miles Chorney; and niece Marie Chambers of Milton, DE.
Tony will be interred next to his grandson on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE.
In lieu of flowers, honor Tony with a donation of time or money to the Lewes Senior Activity Center, the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a cause of the donor’s choice.
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