John Damiani

John Damiani was a man of integrity, who gave his all in everything he did with an unwavering and optimistic demeanor. With faith as his guide, he accomplished much in life and loved abundantly. In the time he was given, John enjoyed so much of what life had to offer, yet there was no greater joy along his life’s journey than being with his family. John will be sorely missed, but the memories he leaves behind will remain forever in the hearts of many.

Each generation has unique milestones and events that have helped shape future generations. The 1920s were without exception. In 1927, the advent of flight took a giant step when Charles Lindbergh made the first trans-Atlantic solo flight, non-stop from New York to Paris. The entertainment world entered a new phase with the first “talkie” motion picture, starring Al Jolson. On August 23, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, John Damiani was born, an event that would shape the future generations of his family.

John was the youngest of three children to Saverio and Teresa Damiani. He and his older siblings, Albert and Flora, grew up in a neighborhood on the west side of Detroit, where his father worked as a street car driver and train conductor, while his mother was a homemaker. John was always active as a child, and went on to put his energy to good playing sports in school. A talented athlete, he proudly earned “7 letters” in high school (and made sure everyone knew that too) in football, basketball and baseball, and served as captain on each team. John graduated from Northwestern High School in 1945, but soon followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, enlisting in to the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country in the Korean War as a Radio Operator on a ship in the Pacific Ocean.

It wasn’t long after coming home from the war that John met the love of his life, Norma Combes, at a Veteran’s dance in downtown Detroit. Their first date was to a Nat King Cole concert and with that, their love story had begun. John and Norma were married on May 2, 1953, in the Precious Blood Catholic Church in Detroit, and honeymooned in the Pocono Mountains. The happy couple settled into married life together in Redford, and enjoyed going dancing, taking leisure walks and traveling. A little over a year after saying “I do,” John and Norma welcomed the birth of their first child, daughter Janet, on August 9, 1954. Their youngest daughter, Michele, followed three years later on October 20, 1957. John cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them, owning a successful insurance agency for 35 years, and sharing much love and laughter. Many wonderful memories were created on their unforgettable family vacations to . . . everywhere! Driving was always their mode of transportation, and they visited places like, Yellowstone National Park and sunny Florida, and took a tour up the East Coast to the New England area and out west to California.

True to his Italian heritage, John loved when all the family came together for holidays and special occasions. It didn’t matter if they were at home or at a restaurant, as long as they were together - this is what meant the world to John. He especially loved Easter and Christmas, not just so the family got together, but that they also went to church together. As a devout Catholic, John enjoyed the special Mass and music that the holidays brought. In fact, John and Norma enjoyed going to performances at St. Aidan Catholic Church, and at the end, John couldn’t help but shout out “Bravo,” much to the priest’s dismay. Over the years, John and Norma attended a couple different churches, St. John Bosco Catholic Church, St. Gemma Catholic Church, and most recent, St. Aidan Catholic Church in Livonia. John was active in many church activities, including Bible Study, retreats, as lector and Eucharistic Minister, and also sang in the choir for a time. He was always kind and generous to those less fortunate, giving freely his time, treasures, and talents (or the shirt off his back, if necessary).

When it came to his leisure time, John loved nothing more than to spend time with his grandchildren. Their #1 fan, he never missed one of his grandkids’ sporting events, dance recitals or band performances. He especially loved the hockey games at Catholic Central. Being a big sports fan, he could be pretty vocal at the games – everyone definitely knew he was there. At home, John was just as “vocal” yelling at the TV when watching his favorite teams play – these included the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons, and the University of Michigan sports teams. John stayed active in sports well into his 80s, playing senior softball and bowled on a league. He also enjoyed a good bingo game! He and Norma continued to do some traveling, particularly to Northern Michigan to the Torch Lake area. Being Italian, food was a big part of every get together, and John didn’t know an Italian dish he didn’t like - and the sweets too.

Although John will be deeply missed, his legacy of love and dedication leaves his loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

John Damiani passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2013, age 86. Beloved wife of the late Norma. Loving Father of Janet (Tim) Anstett and Michele (Ray) Schmidt. Dearest Grandfather of Keith (Cynthia) Rowe, Shaun (Kelila) Anstett, Jennifer and Katie Schmidt, and the late Erika Anstett. Dear Great Grandfather of Krystian. Dear brother of Flora and the late Albert.

Visitation will be on Sunday, October 6, from 4-9 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile (Between Middlebelt and Merriman). Instate is on Monday, October 7, from 10:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Aidan Catholic Church (Farmington Rd. North of Six Mile Rd.). You are welcome to sign the guest book prior to arriving at the funeral home at www.TurowskiLifeStory.com. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Christine Soup Kitchen or The Compassionate Friends of Livonia.