John A. Damm, 78, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.
Born on August 17, 1944 in Flushing Long Island, New York he was the son of John W. and Ethel (Kritzmacher) Damm. He attended Eli Whitney Technical School in Hamden, CT with the class of 1962. John proudly served his country with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1972.
On October 25, 1969 he married Paula Dell’Oro in North Haven, CT. After the military John found his niche in driving a semi. He worked for Sharkey Transport, Aker’s Plastics, Viking Paper and Weirs. He also drove a school bus for Plymouth Community Schools until his retirement in 2021.
Known as the “Quiet Giant” but also the “fierce protector” he was a man of few words that showed his love by his actions. Perhaps one of the greatest huggers that you would ever meet that taught all that knew him well how to listen, learn, be humble and to help those who were in need. John would often lend a hand to those that needed it when it came to working on their cars and construction projects.
He loved watching Sci-Fi and anything that he could find on history. You could also find John behind a good book as he was an avid reader.
He is survived by his wife Paula of Plymouth; children: Donna (Adrian) Dognin of Terryville, CT; Lisa (Marty) Martin of LaPorte; Jonathan (Deanna) Damm of Kalazmazoo, MI; Claudia (Darren) Broady of Indianapolis; grandchildren: Timothy Martin, Luke Dognin, Amy Dognin, Jaxson Damm, Dannaca Damm, Dean Broady; sister Carla (Chris) King of North Haven, CT.
John is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Amy Damm and sister Erna Damm.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 4-7 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 12 pm with Pastor Eric Ahlemeyer officiating.
Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 4-7 pm at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave. North Haven, CT 06473. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 12 pm at the funeral home.
Burial will take place in the All-Saints Cemetery, North Haven Ct. with military honors rendered by the U.S. Air Force.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Veterans Strong Community, 111 N. Main Street STE. A, Bristol CT. 06010.
Mitzi Roberts says
I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband & father. Please accept my condolences and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones right now.
Julie Rans says
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being John’s hospice nurse. You are absolutely correct, he was a gentle giant. Everytime I would do something I would tell him and ask him if it was ok and he never once told me no. Such a sweet man. I hope all the teaching I did with his comfort meds was helpful to him and his very loving family. He was very comfortable when I left on Friday evening. I know you will miss him tremendously, but remember he is in a much better place and out of any pain that he was in. You honored him by honoring his wishes. Rest in peace John.
Darlene Coffey says
Donna and your entire Family, our hearts and prayers are with you.
American Legion Post 2 Military Funeral Honor Guard teams.
Kimberly Harris says
Donna I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go, out to you and your family.