Bill Text: VA HR25 | 2018 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Andrew B. Damiani.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-01-19 - Bill text as passed House (HR25ER) [HR25 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HR25-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, Andrew B. Damiani, a passionate supporter of the Suffolk community who served ably on its city council and as its mayor, died on August 5, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Andrew "Andy" Damiani was born in Richmond and attended Thomas Jefferson High School; a talented string bass and horn player, he moved to New York as a teenager and studied music at the prestigious Juilliard School; and
WHEREAS, Andy Damiani served in the United States Army during World War II, performing in a military band and seeing action in France; after the war ended, he remained abroad and toured Europe for several years as a professional musician in various bands and ensembles; and
WHEREAS, in 1958, Andy Damiani returned to the United States and settled in Suffolk, the city that would remain close to his heart for the rest of his life; he soon found success in business, first as a laundromat owner and later as a real estate investor; and
WHEREAS, Andy Damiani entered public service in 1970, when he began a 22-year tenure as a member of the Suffolk City Council; between 1982 and 1986, he served as the mayor of Suffolk; and
WHEREAS, both as mayor and as a private citizen, Andy Damiani tirelessly advocated for urban development and entrepreneurial investment in Suffolk; his fondness for Suffolk's historic center was so pronounced that locals nicknamed him "Mr. Downtown"; and
WHEREAS, Andy Damiani showed his devotion to his community through leadership in numerous civic organizations, including over 30 years as a board member for the Salvation Army of Suffolk; in early 2017, the organization honored him as a life member of its advisory board; and
WHEREAS, while Andy Damiani retired from public service in the 1990s, he remained active in Suffolk affairs; he hosted a Suffolk television program, opened an art gallery that showcased local artists, and compiled an archive of materials on the city's history while collaborating on a 2016 book about his life; and
WHEREAS, those who knew Andy Damiani will remember him for his fascinating stories, infectious smile, and trademark suit and cane, but most of all for his all-encompassing love for his adopted hometown of Suffolk; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Mary, Andy Damiani will be fondly remembered and great missed by his brother, Anthony, and countless other family members, friends, and Suffolk residents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Andrew B. Damiani, a respected public servant and enthusiastic supporter of the Suffolk community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Andrew B. Damiani as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.
