Dick Damico Obituary

DAMICO RICHARD JAMES DAMICO Captain , USN (Ret.) Of Gainesville, VA, died on February 15, 2012 at the age of 81, following a prolonged illness. A native of New London, CT, Captain Damico graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1954 and was designated a naval aviator in 1955. A degree in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA was earned in 1963. Multiple squadron assignments in fighter and attack aircraft led to his Vietnam service aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1967, he was promoted to Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron 81. He later served on the personal staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, DC, and subsequently had a tour as Commanding Officer of Naval Station, Rota, Spain and Commander, Naval Activities, Spain. The following two years saw assignment in London, England as Deputy Chief of Staff at U.S. Commander in Chief, Naval Forces Europe. His military decorations include two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Meritorious Service Medals, six personal Air Medals and two Navy Commendation medals with V for valor. Following his retirement from the Navy, Captain Damico worked for Science Applications International Corporation. He was active in volunteer work as a Fairfax County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children. Captain Damico was a parishioner of All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas, VA. During his various military assignments, he was also active as a eucharistic minister, lector, and on parish councils. He was also a member of the Military Officers Association of America, the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Captain Damico is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Mildred Shepherd Damico; five sons, Richard of Scituate, MA, Curt of Purcellville, VA, David of Winchester, VA, James of Nokesville, VA and William of Manassas, VA; one daughter, Lee of Redwood City, CA; their respective spouses, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services and interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be announced at a later date. Visitation hours will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA 20110. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SOME (So Others Might Eat), 71 "O" Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 or Covenant House, 2001 Mississippi Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SOME (So Others Might Eat), 71 "O" Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 or Covenant House, 2001 Mississippi Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020.

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