Peter Anthony D’Amato, age 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Candlewood Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center in New Milford, CT. He was reunited with his ancestors, faithful dogs Ripple and Milo, and his brothers in arms. Pete was born in the Bronx, NY, on October 16, 1944 to his parents, Nicholas and Rose (Fernandes) D’Amato.
He leaves behind his wife Carol (Quigley) D’Amato of 59 years, his three sons, Christopher and his wife Jennifer, Gregg and his wife Nancy, and Scott. Also, his brother Albert and his wife Marianne, his grandchildren, Ryan, Caty, Nicholas, Chloe and Rose, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and his dearest and closest friends, Carol (Arciola) Amato, Tony Viceroy, Tom Impellitieri, and Rocco Barbierio.
Growing up in the Bronx, he attended Immaculate Conception elementary school and graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in 1962. He then attended Manhattan College before serving in the army as a radio operator in Vietnam from 1965-1967. For his service in Vietnam, he earned the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Meritorious Unit Citation.
After returning from the war, Peter married Carol and began raising a family. In 1967, he started his career as a computer programmer with IBM, working in White Plains, Norwalk, and Southbury. Peter and his family moved from the Bronx to Garnerville, NY where he enjoyed coaching his sons Chris and Gregg in little league baseball. In 1987, his IBM position brought him to Southbury, where he continued coaching and managing his youngest son Scott’s little league teams.
Peter was a Vietnam Veteran and a life member of VFW Post 1607 in Southbury, CT as well it’s former Commander. In addition, he was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Pete spent many volunteer hours supporting the Southbury VFW Post as its representative on the Memorial Day Parade Committee and was deeply involved every Memorial Day weekend with the placing of grave flags on all the veteran’s graves in the cemeteries of Southbury, CT. In addition, he managed the Post Hall usage events.
Pete was an IBM retiree and keeper of the IBM Oldtimers distribution email list, and a Waterbury Department of Education early retiree, where in addition to his regular duties, he enjoyed reading stories to the PreK and K students at all of the 10 elementary schools he supported. He could also be found in Southbury schools and Waterbury schools on Veterans Day each year speaking to the students about his military service. Pete’s other interests focused on oldies (Doo-Wop) music and classic cars, especially driving his 1969 Corvette.
Pete and his dogs could be seen 7 days per week walking along Chestnut Tree Hill Road in Southbury, rain or shine, morning, noon, and evening.
Friends and family may gather Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 11:00AM until 2:00PM at the Southbury funeral home of Munson-Lovetere, 235 Main Street North. A Memorial service will begin at 2:00PM followed by burial in Pine Hill Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the animal rescue organization of your choice.
Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com