Antonio J. D’Amico Sr., veteran, generous soul

Antonio J. D’Amico Sr. of Lewes passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, surrounded by his family at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, a few weeks shy of his 100th birthday.

A Magnolia, N.J. native, Tony was the last surviving of his parents’ 13 first-generation Italian-American children. Along with four of his brothers, he proudly served his country during World War II, enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He served as a coxswain on the USS Electra in the Pacific Theater, earning four ribbons and a Victory Medal.

After his honorable discharge, Tony met and married the love of his life, Regina “Jean” Berger, in 1947. They raised their four sons in Camden, N.J., but moved to Lewes in retirement following sons Joe and Tony Jr.

Never one to sit still, Tony continued to work after his initial retirement in both paid and volunteer positions. He helped his sons with their business until it was sold in 2006, and then worked part-time at Waterstill South until he turned 85. That’s when he became more involved with the Lewes Senior Activity Center, volunteering and serving on its board, until his body finally made him take it easy, well into his 90s.

Tony loved sharing coffee and stories with anyone. He was part of a special group who met in the early mornings and solved the world’s problems at McDonald's, but Tony would join a spirited conversation anywhere. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and their children.

Although he was a careful spender, Tony also quietly made sure no one in his circle went without basic needs. When times were tough for someone he loved, a needed item or cash would somehow magically appear. Tony's kindness and generosity will always be remembered.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, A. Franco and Antonina Briguglio D’Amico; his 12 siblings; his sons, Chris D’Amico and Tony D’Amico Jr.; and grandson, Joseph T. D’Amico Jr.

Tony is survived by his loving wife of 78 years Regina D’Amico; his sons, Michael D’Amico and Joe D’Amico (Mary Beth) of Lewes; daughter-in-law Christine D’Amico of Oceanport, N.J.; grandchildren, Gina D’Amico (Brian Chorney) of Montgomery Village, Md., Veronica Brown (John) of Wilmington, Matthew D’Amico (Brittany) of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Suzanne D’Amico of Philadelphia, Pa.; great-grandchildren, Johnathon Brown, Rylan Chorney, Ella Brown and Miles Chorney; and niece, Marie Chambers of Milton.

Tony will be interred next to his grandson at 11 a.m., Friday, May 16, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, honor Tony with a donation of time or money to Lewes Senior Activity Center, Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a cause of donor’s choice.

Visit Tony's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.