John A. Damico, Esq.

Greece, NY - February 11, 2021.  

John passed away peacefully in his home on February 11, 2021.   He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Frances May Damico and brother-in-law, Charles Swynenberg.  He is survived by his children, Philip E. Damico, Karla D. (Robert) Wilsey, John A. Damico Jr.; grandsons, Brandon M. (Christina) Wilsey and Ryan J. Wilsey; great-grandson, Rexton John Wilsey; brothers, Liborio (Beatrice) Damico & Samuel (Sandra) Damico; sister-in-law, Mary Swynenberg; nieces & nephews, Phyllis Tenney, Samuel (Jackie) Damico, Debra Husted, Connie Hem, Charles (Valerie) Swynenberg, Nancy (David) Strothman, and many dear friends.

John was the most devoted, loving, caring, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor, friend, and counsellor any family, friend, or client could have wished for.  

He grew up in the City of Rochester, where he was raised by his father, Philip Damico, and grandmother, Vincenza Galante, after his mother, Rosina Bartolotta, died at a very young age.  He got his start in life in the family business, Phil's Auto Parts, founded by his father during the Great Depression. He went on to attend Genesee Junior College in Lima, NY before heading to Indiana to attend law school at Valparaiso University College of Law where graduated in 1952. 

While in Valparaiso, he was blessed to meet his life partner, Frances May Johnson, a beautiful young lady of incredible and unshakeable faith and values. It was love at first sight and forever. John and Fran were married after he graduated law school, and they began their lives together spanning 63 years of loving marriage.  

John was admitted to the New York State Bar for the practice of law and served as a law clerk with the Judge Advocate General Corps of the U.S. Army, stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany during the Korean War. After serving his country, John and Frances built their dreams together in Rochester, NY, where they raised their three children, Philip, Karla, and John Jr.  

John established general law practice through which he served, counseled, and assisted clients for over 55 years.  He was described by his legal colleagues as a great lawyer and true gentleman, and by his clients, as a wonderful, kind, caring, attorney. He cared deeply for his clients, whom he would often meet with at their home or his to save them a trip to the office in the City. He was often referred to as a true country lawyer.

John loved the idea of having a farm with land and a horse, and eventually bought some land and a barn in North Greece, where he and Fran built their dream home and raised their family. He loved spending time with his children and his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, and was blessed to become a great-grandfather to Rexton John Wilsey this year.  John loved his family unconditionally and encouraged and helped each of them to fulfill their dreams, as he did his.  

John enjoyed the quiet escape of the land around his home. He enjoyed mowing his lawn throughout the summer, riding his horse, birdwatching, hiking in the back woods, growing fruit trees, and even shoveling the snow down the long driveway in the winter.   He loved having family and friends gather for special occasions, or no occasion, to enjoy swimming, picnics, tractor rides, horseback riding, and wild berry picking in the back.  
John was a fisherman, painter, treasure hunter, birdwatcher, horseman, and private pilot.
There was always an extra seat or two set at John and Fran's Thanksgiving table for any friend or acquaintance in need of a family for the day, to gather, share, eat, and spend a day of peace, comfort, and visitation in gratitude, together. He graciously and humbly shared what he had with those in need and opened his home to family and friends for meals, a place to rest, or a caring conversation.  

A friend of John's was a friend for life. John's friends were a special part of his life; he cared deeply about them and their well-being, as they also became a part of the Damico family. He was dedicated to his community and his church, where he served in various leadership roles at Hope Lutheran Church, the YMCA, VFW Post #2691, state and local politics, and numerous charitable organizations.

John was the epitome of love, concern, kindness, and peace, and a never-ending optimist.  He had a calming, confident way about him and was always there to let you know everything will be all right. 

A Celebration of John's Life will be held at a future date for family and friends.  Entombment in Riverside Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be sent to Hope Church, 1301 Vintage Lane, Rochester, NY 14626 or Lollypop Farm, Humane Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 99 Victor Rd., Fairport, NY 14450.

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