William Lockard Damato Sr., 92, was born March 8, 1930, in Jacksonville, Florida. Bill attended St. Paul's Catholic School in Riverside from 1st - 12th grade. After graduating, he joined the Marine Corp to defend his country as one of the first helicopter squadrons in South Korea; from there, he attended college at the University of Florida. He went on to be an insurance agent for Prudential for over 35 years. Bill was a 4th Degree Knight for the Knights of Columbus. He married the love of his life, Helen Bowen Damato, who he has known since first grade. Together, they raised 7 children. Over the years, Bill and Helen took in 4 foster children and sponsored a Vietnamese family of 6.

Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Helen Bowen Damato; their son, William Lockard Damato Jr.; his parents, Evelyn and Louis Damato; his brothers, Richard and Donald; Father Lawrence Damato; and his sister, Nancy Hart.
He is survived by a loving family: his brother, Robert Damato (Bubba); and his 6 children, Linda (Frank) Luksha, Bonnie (David) Davies, Danny (Janell) Damato, Mike (Cindy) Damato, Beth (Ed) Coppedge, and Cathy (Harry) Bergman; 20 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and a loving and supportive extended family.

Services will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church. The visitation is 10-11am, and Mass at 11am, with a reception lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Alzheimer's Association or The Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home.