Maria Damiano (nee Maggio)
Maria Damiano, a beloved figure in her community and cherished matriarch of her family, peacefully passed away of natural causes on May 25, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of 84. Born on January 13, 1941, in the picturesque city of Messina, Sicily, Italy, Maria was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Elena Maggio. Her journey led her to Brooklyn, where she would establish her roots and leave an indelible mark on those around her.
Maria was the loving wife of her late husband, Joe, and a devoted mother to her children, Elena and Joseph. She was a caring sister to Rosetta and the late Antonio, her brother-in-law. She was predeceased by her brother Salvatore and sister-in-law Tiziana, and her in-laws Maria Teresa and Toto, as well as Bruno. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Antonio and his wife Carmela, and sister-in-law Aurora. And was a dear aunt to multiple nieces and nephews, and including her great-nieces and great-nephews. Maria shared a special bond with her niece Maria Luisa and her nephew Giuseppe and his wife Mimma. Her extended family included the Silvermans and Friedlands, with whom she shared many joyous holidays and supported each other through times of sorrow.
Maria’s early life in Messina laid a strong foundation for her future achievements. She pursued higher education with vigor and graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting. Her intelligence and work ethic shone brightly in her professional life, where she became an excellent tax preparer. Maria dedicated 40 years of service to H&R Block, where she was not only a wonderful addition to the team but also a source of wisdom and guidance to her colleagues and clients.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Maria was known for her exceptional culinary skills. She was a phenomenal cook, especially her special Christmas Eve dinner. We still talk about them, much to the delight of her family and friends. Her love for cooking was paralleled by her enjoyment of watching cooking shows, where she found inspiration for her next kitchen adventure. Maria also had a passion for home renovation shows, which fueled her creative side and often led to her envisioning and executing beautiful changes in her own home. Generosity, intelligence, and selflessness are words that only begin to describe Maria. She was a survivor. Tough cookie and a frank and honest person came up over and over again.
She had a heart that extended beyond the confines of her immediate family, to her friends and clients. Her presence was a comforting one, and she had an innate ability to make others feel valued and loved.Earlier this month, Maria Luisa’s children surprised her with a birthday trip to New York. It was a joyous gathering, creating memories that would be cherished forever. Maria had a wonderful time, surrounded by the people she loved most, basking in the laughter and happiness that filled the room. Maria Damiano’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and service to others. Her life was a testament to the enduring strength of family, the value of hard work, and the importance of community. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her spirit will live on through the many lives she touched.
As we bid farewell to Maria, we reflect on a life well-lived, a journey marked by resilience, joy, and an abundance of love. Her memory will continue to be a guiding light to her family, friends, and all who were blessed to be part of her world.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Maria Damiano will be appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.