Rocco J. Damiano

Rocco James Damiano, 66, of Palmyra, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at home in the arms of his loving wife. He was born Saturday, May 3, 1947 in Newburgh, NY to the late Rocco and Marie (DelPappa) Damiano. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Ann E. (Skrzec) Damiano.

He earned a BS in Nursing from Mt. St. Mary College, served in the US Air Force during Vietnam, and the US Army Special Forces Reserve. He retired from the City of Newburgh, NY Police after 25 years of faithful service as a police officer. He was the founder of Tangmeanna Ryu . In June 2004, he was ordained as a Deacon in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City. His life was dedicated to service and love, and he will be missed by many.

He is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth M. Damiano and fiancé Scott Tabone, and Bernadette K. Damiano; two sons, Jeffrey J. Damiano, and Derrick S. Damiano and wife Beth; one grandson, Eli J. Damiano; a sister, Carol Gorman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, July 27th at 10:00 AM at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 245 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078 with Father James F. Podlesny as Celebrant. A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, July 30 ^th at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s of The Assumption Church, 180 South Street, Newburgh, NY 12550. Burial with full military honors will be private in Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Goshen, NY. Rothermel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to United Service Organizations, PO Box 96322, Washington, DC 20090-6322 or www.uso.org . Condolences and memories may be shared at www.rothermelfuneralhome.com