09/08/2023
✨Raymond F. Damato Memorial Scholarship✨
A native and life-long resident of Manchester, Sonny Damato took great pride in his family, his business, political affiliations, antique cars, and involvement in numerous community organizations. His career began at the age of 12 operating a bulldozer while working construction along with his father and brother. His first independent venture at age 20 was a successful hot dog stand, Frankie’s Drive-In, which also sponsored a semi-professional basketball team. During his mid-twenties, Mr. Damato started his highly successful business of building apartments, eventually establishing Damato Enterprises, whose nearly 400 units represented the highest standards for apartments in Manchester. Mr. Damato enjoyed skiing with family & friends in Vermont, caring for his beloved horses, and maintaining a collection of antique cars. Fondly referred to as the “Mayor of Homestead Park,” Mr. Damato was devoted to the growth & development of the Town of Manchester and the Eighth Utilities District. He served for many years on the Board of Directors for many local organizations including the Savings Bank of Manchester and the Eighth Utilities District of Manchester. By far, however, Mr. Damato’s greatest pride was in his dear ones & family, for whom his unsurpassed love will never be forgotten. Nor will his unsurpassed generosity, for he left very generous bequests to The Manchester Scholarship Foundation and to other non-profits in Manchester. We are thrilled to have received his magnanimous bequest, and the Raymond F. Damato Memorial has enabled the Foundation to launch major new initiatives to perpetually support local students who are pursuing advanced education.
