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Sebastian “Sammy Sears” D’Amato, 96, of East Haven, beloved husband of 73 years to Rose Carpio D’Amato, passed away on Aug. 16 in the Whispering Pines Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Sammy was the uncle to many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. He was the brother of Andrew D’Amato of Branford and the late Louise Pizzorusso, Rae Torre, Anne Huelin, and Anthony and Frank D’Amato. Sammy was born in New Haven on Feb. 3, 1923, son of the late Louis and Esther DeCusati D’Amato.

Prior to his retirement Sammy was employed by Western Auto Sales for 15 years and Sears Roebuck for 35 years. He served his country faithfully in the Army during WWII in the European Theater of Operation in Africa. He was a member of the American Legend Harry Bartlet Post 89, Oakley Tigers Football Team, East Shore Football League, and chef for Country House Restaurant, now known as Seasons.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Whispering Pines Rehabilitation & Nursing Center for the wonderful care shown to Sammy during his time there.

His funeral procession left the Porto Funeral Home, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven, Aug. 21. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish in Our Lady of Pompeii Church. Interment with military honors followed in All Saints Cemetery. Friends called Aug. 21. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517. For an online obituary or to sign Sammy’s guest book, visit www.portofuneralhomes.net.