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John Stephen D’Amato, longtime resident of Guilford, passed away on April 25 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Joyce (Harding) D’Amato. John was born in New York City on Feb. 17, 1942, son of the late Gennaro D’Amato and Helen (Bourejy) D’Amato. He was the loving father of Cara (D’Amato) Dailey of Scottsdale, Arizona. He is also survived by grandson Jonathan Dailey, sister Karen (D’Amato) Schultz (Richard), niece Christina (Schultz) Carlson (Blaine), nephew Gerald Schultz (Tina Marie), great-niece Brigitte Schultz, and great-nephews Christian Carlson and Brandon Schultz.

A 1965 graduate of Tarkio College in Tarkio, Missouri, John majored in history, political science, and education. He then earned an M.A degree in political science from the University of Kansas in 1966, with a concentration in constitutional law and political theory. John also earned his sixth-year equivalency degree and M.S. degree in urban studies (1986) from Southern Connecticut State University.

John taught social studies at Branford High School and was president of the Branford Education Association for 13 years. He remained an ardent advocate for children and teachers throughout his career and served as a Connecticut Education Association (CEA) labor representative for New London, Harford, and New Haven counties prior to his retirement. He was active in implementing binding arbitration for teacher contracts and negotiating teacher’s health benefits. He was a fierce advocate and many teachers throughout Connecticut have benefited from his advice and courage.

He was a passionate man and lived life to the fullest and enjoyed gardening, cooking, and classical music. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; an activist for teachers and children; and an incredible storyteller. His passing was at home surrounded by loved ones who held his hand and expressed their love as he made his way into his next adventure.

Memorial services at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford, will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Yale New Haven Hospital Office of Development, P.O. Box 1849 New Haven, CT 06508. Please designate Oncology Nursing Fund in the memo line. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.