Nick Damigo

Nick went home to be with The Lord on Sunday, November 16, 2014. After a long battle with Cancer, he left his earthly body behind for his new heavenly home and an incorruptible vessel. Nick, being of Greek and Scotch-Irish descent, lived a varied and interesting life combining the best of each culture. Nick was born in Indiana, the middle child of seven siblings. He helped raise chickens, tended vineyards, and scooped coal to heat the family home, moving from Indiana to Colorado to California. Along the way he served in the Conservation Core. Arriving in California he eagerly enlisted in the Army-Air Corps, in 1942, where he served under General Patton in the European Theatre. Being one of the few of that "Great Generation" to return home to the good old USA, he settled in San Pedro California. Eventually he met and married Bernadine LeMer. Beginning a new job as the morning shift cook at Dan O'Brian's restaurant, he had arrived early and had ordered some food. Bernadine as his waitress took his order for a grilled cheese sandwich, and it was love at first sight for Nick. When Bernadine went to serve him, she accidentally dropped the whole thing in his lap! They were married just shy of sixty-two years. Shortly after their marriage, Nick re-enlisted in 1949, this time in the Air Force, and was immediately shipped overseas to Japan where he served five years during the Occupation of Japan. He also served during the Korean Conflict. He loved his country and served proudly and looked forward to any opportunity to wear his uniform. He looked back on his Military Service as one of the most challenging, proud and pivotal experiences that shaped his life, and had been actively writing his memoirs. Nick enjoyed cooking, and he and Bernadine loved entertaining family and friends. He loved the Big Band sounds of the day and his favorite group was The Ink Spots. He loved baseball and played while in the military and also managed several softball teams as an adult. Last May 2013, he attended his first and last major league baseball game as the honored recipient as Veteran of the Game at Dodger Stadium. Nick was a great man of faith and he served God with a staunch tenacity, conviction and devotion. His favorite discussion centered around God, and throughout his lifetime, he served in almost every capacity in the church, from janitor to Sunday school teacher to Pastor of a church in Salton City California. He fiercely loved his family and did everything with their best interest in mind. Nick collected many friends and was happiest when he was serving others. A wonderful loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A true patriot and God fearing man. He had a great capacity to love, and was dearly loved in return. He is simply, irreplaceable. A celebration of life service for Nick will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 beginning at 10:00am located at the Perez Family Funeral Home, 1347 Del Norte Road, Camarillo. A reception will follow also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Simi Valley Public Cemetery in Simi Valley.