Retired Police Sgt. Pat D'Amato Dies

Pasquale “Pat” D’Amato, who spent more than four decades serving the people of Enfield as a member of the town's police department, passed away Friday. He was 82.

An Enfield native, D'Amato joined the Enfield Police Department on July 1, 1954. He was promoted to sergeant on Sept. 4, 1966, and remained in that position until his retirement on April 30, 1994.

Several members of the police department staff recalled D'Amato as "a gentle giant."

"Pat was a wonderful person that I worked with for many years," Police Chief Carl Sferrazza said. "He was very devoted to his family and to his job, serving the town for over 40 years. He had a tremendous sense of humor, and still had it when he visited with me a few weeks ago."

Carol Donle, the chief's secretary, said, "He used to come into the office all the time and liked to keep everyone's spirits up. I will miss him."

In addition to being an avid hunter, D'Amato was an accomplished banjo player.

"He was a very talented musician; he went around the country to national banjo conventions. He was just a wonderful person," Sferrazza said.

D'Amato was predeceased by his wife, Theresa (Camerota) D'Amato in 2008. He is survived by three children, five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Martha Church, 214 Brainard Rd. Burial will follow in St. Patrick's King Street Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, Nov. 6 from 4-8 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels.