Joseph Damato passed away today, the most loving full of life person one could ever know. May God Keep Him and Hold Him always and my deepest prayers and sympathies to his family and to all who knew and loved “JJ” Rest in peace my dear brother.
Cause of Death.
Tributes.
The following are some tributes posted on social media to honor the life and the legacy of the deceased.
Clare Doster wrote
OMG, Jim. This is so unbelievably sad. My heart is so heavy seeing this. Thinking and praying for his girls and familyJeannine Fleming wrote
Omg, I’m in shock. He was gem, such an amazing guy. Thank you for posting. He will surely be missed. Sending love & prayers to his family/friends.Michelle Elle Aland wrote
JJ was a light and the kindest soul ever. It is so so sad. Sending hugs and love to his family and friends. He was part of the NHL memories and the good all days.Glenn Horine wrote
Tough one to swallow Skins. I had the opportunity to catch up with JJ at Daytona this year. As you know, very few people had the gift to make people laugh and smile like JJ. He always looked to help everyone/ strangers and friends. He retold some old N…Chris Babcock wrote
I can’t handle this year anymore. JJ was a great guy, always loved hearing the old NHL stories on the rare occasions I’ve gotten to see him over the last few years.Francesca Giordano Ferrara wrote
Such a devastating loss of one of the most loving, funny, kind… just all-around wonderful people I ever knew. Loved by so many. Very honored to have called him a friend. Rest In Peace, JJ.Adam Schwartz wrote
I am just devastated. He was the like the leader of our “intern clique”. Brought a smile to us all at any given time. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Thoughts and prayers to his girls and family. Just heartbreaking.Fred Scalera wrote
I am stunned and devastated by this incredibly shocking news. I just can’t believe it.
I have such fond memories of JJ from the first time he came to the NHL from St John’s. This bear of a man who was always smiling, friendly, and just fun to be around. I wanted him in our licensing area immediately. I just knew he would flourish in our world. I grew to cherish the open friendship we developed, and no matter how long of a gap in our talking, we always picked up like we had just spoken.
He was gentle soul who so loved his daughters and family. I will miss him and his spirit so much.
I wish you God Speed my friend. God bless you and your girls.Arthur Pincus wrote
Skins. His notes to me over the years always expressed how much you meant to him and the impact you had on his life. This is a very sad day for all of us. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and that marvelous photo. Be well, old friend.Philip T. Dooley wrote
JJ was the best! So quick with a smile and a laugh with everyone! This is heartbreaking and and a bracing reminder of how precious our moments and memories are! Peace JJ, everyone will miss you, can’t wait to see you again some day!Liz McCarvill wrote
JJ was the baby of our crew ~ as a NHL intern, we attempted to bust his chops with the typical initiation shenanigans but he was so gregarious, kind & witty that it backfired & we fell head over heels for him ~ he was instantly loved as one of the gang. It has been a pleasure & privilege watching him become a successful man on so many levels. Sending peace & love to his family especially his beautiful daughters.
