Michael James Damaso

Michael James Damaso, 92, of Tampa left this earth peacefully on January 9, 2023. Born and raised in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, he is survived by his devoted wife, Cynthia, of Tampa, his loving son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Jamie, of Orlando, his nephew, Jaime J. Garcia, III, of Tampa, and many nieces and nephews, beloved relatives and friends. Michael was the last surviving sibling of eight children of Pietro Damaso, of Falerna, Calabria Region of Southern Italy and Filomena Damaso (Gambero) of Rossiter, Pennsylvania.

He served the country he loved in the United States Air National Guard as well as his local community, holding political office in his hometown, the first ever Democrat to serve on the Sewickley City Council.

Michael truly enjoyed music, and in his early years was a DJ for social dances around Western Pennsylvania. He then spent a career working for engineering firms building nuclear power plants and other projects, work that took him around the country and led him to the Tampa Bay Area where he would meet his wife. In retirement, he was active in his neighborhood association serving in various executive positions including president. He appreciated getting to know friends and neighbors in the community while serving in this capacity.

Michael loved sports and was an avid fan of any team from Pittsburgh, and later, Tampa Bay. He was proud of his Italian American heritage and would eat pasta daily if his wife would let him. He had quite the green thumb and could grow anything, stemming back to professional landscaping/gardening roots in and around the Sewickley Area. At home, in additional to in his work, he had a gift for design and engineering and was a master in carrying out many home improvement projects.

Yet, his number one passion was always his family. Despite his work travels nationally, he would always return home on weekends and holidays to rejoin his family and friends. He married his “favorite girl,” Cynthia (Garcia) in 1973. 2023 is their 50th year of marriage. He was overjoyed to have a son, Michael, in 1979. Always, he was upbeat and never more happy than when gathered and laughing among friends and loved ones. Michael had a strong Catholic Faith and was a parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals at AdventHealth - Florida Hospital South (Orlando), Orlando Regional Healthcare System, and St. Joseph’s Hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held on January 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Blount Curry Funeral Home located at 605 South MacDill Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33609. Immediately following the Service, the family will visit with guests until 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of their favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Alternatively, donations may be made to any charity of choice.

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