John R. ‘Butchie’ Damiano, 98, of McAdoo passed away Friday afternoon after a brief illness at Greenwood Center for Nursing and Rehab, Hometown.

Born in Kelayres, he was the son of the late Angelo and Susan (Tomaine) Damiano.

John was a devoted member of Church of All Saints, McAdoo. He was a graduate of Hazleton Senior High School, class of 1941 and Eckels College of Mortuary Science, Philadelphia.

John was a U.S. Navy veteran serving in WWII. In April of 1944, he was serving aboard the USS Lansdale 426, a destroyer in the Mediterranean Sea, when it was torpedoed and ultimately sunk. He was rescued after surviving for hours floating in the water.  John became a Purple Heart recipient.

After returning home from the service, he attended mortuary school. John became a licensed funeral director in 1951 and established the Damiano Funeral Home in McAdoo. After serving families for many years, John retired in 2013.  He was also employed at the Schuylkill County Courthouse for years and served as a former Deputy Coroner of Schuylkill County.

Over the years, John was very active and supportive in his community, with many organizations and churches. He was a lifetime member of the McAdoo V.F.W. Post 6708, and the McAdoo Lions Club.

A former member of Mahoning Valley Country Club and Valley Country Club, John enjoyed playing golf, and a friendly game of poker. He most enjoyed celebrating the lives of his grandchildren, visiting his family in Maryland and time spent with his many friends he made over the years.

Preceding him in death, were his wife Eleanor (Sobeck) Damiano; sisters Nancy Jelenewicz and Mary Costanzo; brothers Carmen, Ralph, Thomas, Maurice and Joseph Damiano.

Surviving, are his sons Dr. John A. ‘Jack’ Damiano and wife Janet, of Lititz; and Vincent Damiano and wife Maria, of McAdoo; grandchildren Anthony Damiano, Esq. and wife Michelle, Dr. Christopher Damiano and husband Matthew, Jillian Damiano, and Alyssa, Vincent and Nicholas Damiano; great-granddaughters Parker and Charlotte; companion Margaret Polimeno, of Kelayres; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

His funeral will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. from the Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo. Rev. Msgr. William Baker will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial in Church of All Saints, McAdoo, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, McAdoo.

Calling hours will be held Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Church of All Saints, 21 N. Cleveland St., McAdoo, PA 18237.

Condolences may be entered and information is available at www.damianofhinc.com.