Pasquale “Patsy” D’Amato – Age 91, of Malden formerly of Cambridge and Abruzzo, Italy, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2022, at home, surrounded by loving family. He was the beloved husband of 67 years to Maria Cristina (Boccia) D’Amato, devoted father of three children and their spouses, adoring grandfather to one grandchild and their spouse and one great-grand child.
Pasquale was predeceased by his parents Domenico and Maria (DiPietro) D’Amato, his in-laws, Carmine and Filomena (Ventresca) Boccia, and his sister, Anna (D’Amato) Bettinelli. He is survived by many nieces and nephews including a special nephew and niece, Angelo and Daniela Boccia. He is also survived by many loving cousins, friends, students, and band members.
Pasquale was born on a hillside hamlet and moved as a young boy to live near his grandparents, Domenico and Luisa DiPietro in Pettorano Sul Gizio, Italy. While his father was working in America, he became close to his grandfather and grandmother, learning and listening to their advice. Pasquale’s grandfather was a great influence in his life. His father bought a phonograph to play records on one of his return trips and Pasquale’s love of music began.
Born in the Kingdom of Italy in 1930, he experienced the ravages of World War II. Mussolini was dictator and Hitler had begun his invasion of Italy. As a boy, Pasquale met many Nazi soldiers as they passed through his hamlet in search of food, animals, and supplies. As a boy he walked many miles to attend school. He helped on the farm with plowing, planting, and harvesting, he also brought their farm animals to pasture on the mountainside, milked the cows and sheep, made cheese, and cured meats.
As a young man, he lived and studied music and voice under private tutelage at the Music Conservatory in Rome, Italy. The Accordion was his passion. As a student, he played on the Spanish Steps, on many occasions to gain confidence and experience. Once finished with his studies, he reunited with his wife, Maria, who travelled to America to live with his parents in Boston after they were married in Italy. He spent the remainder of his life devoted to his wife and her welfare.
Pasquale opened a music school in the West End of Boston where he taught all forms of instrumentation and voice. He also opened a music store where he bought, sold, and rented instruments. He created his own record label, cut his own records, and published two songs (sheet music), “Innamorata“ and “Marida”. He was a member of the International Music League and The American Accordion Association.
Pasquale and his family moved to Cambridge and lived there for nearly fifty years. There, he continued teaching music and voice. He created his own band which played many venues. He volunteered and played the accordion at Sacred Heart Parish in Watertown to help raise funds to build their rectory. Music was his life, it meant a great deal to him to teach, create, and perform.
Pasquale would have celebrated his 92nd birthday on July 13 (La Festa di Santa Margarita). He immigrated to the United States in 1946, crossing the Atlantic on a Marine Flasher and proudly became a Naturalized Citizen. He cherished his Italian heritage and took great pride in his United States citizenship. He also worked for Associated Paper Boxes in the South End; Westvaco Paper Boxes in Watertown; Container Corporation of America in Medford; and Nynex in Mansfield before retiring. He spent his retirement nurturing his garden, raising his rabbits, making wine, spending time with his family, and socializing with his many friends. He liked to joke, had a zest for life, and a very generous spirit.
Due to Covid, visiting hours are private. A funeral mass will be celebrated in Sacred Hearts Church, 297 Main Street, Malden, on Thursday, June 9th at 10 AM. The family requests all attendees be seated in the back of the church where masks will be mandatory. Services will conclude with entombment at Mt Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Due to Covid, there will be no collations.