Louis 'Red' D'Amico, 82, of Niagara Falls, NY died Wednesday January 6, 2010 at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Laurino D'Amico and Antoinette (DeSantis) D'Amico and step son of the late Philomena 'Fannie' (Tirabassi) Cicchetti D'Amico.

Louis was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY and graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army beginning on April 13, 1945 and was stationed in Yokohama, Tokyo where he worked at the base post office until his honorable discharge on December 5, 1946. While in the Army he played basketball, baseball and was a boxer with the Cavalry Division. Known to his family and friends as "Red", he owned and operated various pizzerias in Welland and Crystal Beach, Ontario, Canada. Working with his father at the former D'Amico Home Builders, Red learned the trade of carpentry and went on to be a lifetime member of the Carpenters Local Union. He worked on the NY Power Project as Bull Steward of Carpenters and later as the Steward on the Grand Island Bridges. He continued working as a carpenter and eventually became the Superintendant of the Building and Trades Department for the City of Niagara Falls until retiring after twenty seven years of service. Red had a passion for politics and through the years earned the reputation of picking and backing winners in several local elections. He was once named Democrat of the Year with Mario Pirastru, the former city Democratic chairman who called him, "a political machine." His self confidence and hard work were credited for many notable politicians winning their campaigns including: four trems for Mayor E. Dent Lackey, four terms for Mayor Michael O'Laughlin, Judge Jacqueline Koshian, Niagara Falls City Councilmembers Thomas Sottile, Leo Martel and Gerry LaPointe; the latter who inspired Red's interest in politics. In his younger days Red played basketball in many area leagues including the MUNI League, the local industrial leagues and was named to the All New York State team. He also served as President of LaSalle Zone 6 Little League for eight years. In his leisure time, Red enjoyed playing poker with his family and friends.

Mr. D'Amico is survived by his wife of fifty five years Evelyn C. (Wakunick) D'Amico, six children Larry (Andrea) D'Amico of Rochester, NY; LuAnn D'Amico of Niagara Falls, NY; David D'Amico of Lewiston, NY; Robert D'Amico of St. Petersburg, FL; Donna D'Amico of Niagara Falls, NY and Phillip (Barb) D'Amico of Jupiter, FL; eleven grandchildren Marc, Anna and Michelle D'Amico; Kari Ann D'Amico, Cierra, Devin Michelle and Jelina D'Amico, Deanna D'Amico, Antoinette and Michael Paonessa and Carrie Lee D'Amico, two great grandchildren Kayla and Austin; two sisters Suzanne (Sam) Floro of Niagara Falls, NY and Donna (late Tom) O'Leary of the Village of Lewiston, a sister-in-law Jennie Borgese and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by four brothers and one sister John Cicchetti, Adeline (late Joseph) Vitale, Phillip D'Amico, Michael D'Amico and Anthony D'Amico.

Friends may call on Saturday January 9th from 2 – 6 p.m. at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services with military honors will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Ronald Maines, officiating. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the School of the Holy Childhood, 100 Groton Parkway, Rochester, NY 14623.