Richard A. D'Amato

SPENCER – Richard A. D’Amato, 73, of Greenville Street, died Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Saint Vincent Hospital after a brief illness. He leaves his wife of 52 years, Donna M. (Durnin) D’Amato, his son, Eric R. D’Amato, and his significant other Jill Pietro of East Brookfield, two daughters, Lisa M. Wallwork and her husband James of Fairfax, Virginia, and Laureen M. Smith and her husband Joel of South Weymouth; two brothers, Glenn P. D’Amato and his wife Kim of East Brookfield, and Donald E. D’Amato and his fiancée Lynn MacDonald of Spencer; as well as his six grandchildren, Connor, Owen, Angelo, Ava, Ainsley and Ellie. He was predeceased by a brother Dennis G. D’Amato in 2019. Rick was born in Worcester, son of the late Arthur and Lorraine (Dupuis) D’Amato, and grew up in East Brookfield before moving to Spencer in 1974. He graduated from David Prouty High School and Worcester State University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.

Mr. D’Amato taught fifth and sixth grade for thirty-six years in the North Brookfield Public School system where he served as a leader for the North Brookfield Teachers’ Association for many years. After retiring in 2010, he continued as an educator in the classroom for an additional eight years as an elementary school substitute teacher in Spencer, Brookfield, and West Brookfield. Rick was an active participant in local government, formerly serving on the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School Committee and the Spencer School Building Committee for the planning and construction of the Knox Trail Junior High School. Also, he was a member of the Spencer Democratic Town Committee for many years. During his youth, Rick played varsity football and tennis. He continued his fondness for these sports throughout his life. Rick and Donna developed a love for travel and visited several European countries along with many cities across the U.S. Being “Dad” and “Grampy” were two of the most fulfilling roles of his life. Calling hours are Tuesday, February 17th from 4 to 7p.m. in the J. Henri Morin & Son Funeral Home, 23 Maple Terrace, Spencer. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mary, Queen of the Rosary Cemetery, Spencer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to “Mary, Queen of the Rosary” Food Pantry, 46 Maple Street, Spencer, MA.01562