Sal D'Amato

Sal D’Amato was born on August 25, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York, to first generation Italian/Sicilian parents. Sal’s dad, Gennaro D’Amato’s family was from Potenza, Italy, and his mother, Carmella Dinolfo’s family came from Palermo, Sicily.

Sal and his two younger brothers, Henry and Jerry, grew up seeing the European Old World adapt to the new wave of Post-War America. His high school years at the School of Art and Design eventually led him to his life’s profession. On February 9, 1964, Sal, along with the rest of America, watched the Ed Sullivan TV show as the Beatles did their American debut. Sal fell in love with drums and Ringo became his teacher. Music became his passion and his keen memory held it all in. He explored every genre, learning them all.

Time in the Air force found him stationed in Alaska, where he fell in love with nature and the west coast. After he was discharged from the military, he moved up and down the Northern Coast, winding up in the San Francisco Bay Area.

He played in most of the Bay Area bands at some point. Among them, Santana and jammed with Tom Johnson of the Dobie Brothers. He became an amazing drummer, but augmented his income working at Genentech, and later, Digidesign\Avid on Pro Tools.

In 1999, Sal met his future wife, Karen (a single mother of 5 children), on a Christian Pen Pal site. They were both fascinated by biblical archaeology, and though they never saw each others photo, nor spoke on the phone, they fell in love with each other’ spirit. Four months later, they met. Four months after that, they were married.

When Sal retired from Digidesign, he then got what he called, “The best job I ever had.” He became a Worship Coordinator for a mega church in the Bay Area, Central Peninsula Church. He loved the job, as he was able to also play drums for the worship band. Serving God with his talent became his delight.

In 2018, Both Sal and Karen retired to Idaho. Once again, Sal became the worship team drummer for Rocky Mountain Ministries (RMM) Church in Pocatello. His life was totally blessed.

Sal’s death on July 25 came one month before his 73rd birthday. His family, band and church members, and friends miss him beyond words. He is survived by his wife, Karen, the children Matthew, Anna, John, and Luke; his brother, Jerry; a niece, Crystal, three nephews, Jason, Jared, and Jesse and their families, and by four grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Henry D’Amato, and the youngest of his step-children, James Clayton Hahn.

A memorial service will be on August 26th, at 2pm at Rocky Mountain Ministries in Pocatello, Idaho, and can be viewed on their Facebook page online. The worship team will be playing along to some of Sal’s drum tracts.

Just like Sal… to play drums at his own funeral.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the Tribute Wall tab above.