Dr. Keith Rocco D’Amato, 60, of Saint Augustine, Florida, transitioned peacefully surrounded by those who loved him, on August 22, 2012 at the Bailey Family Center for Caring. He was born in Patterson, New Jersey, son of Lillian and Henry D’Amato. A man of varied interests and talents, he was an educator, healer, and protector to many.
After graduating from Kean University of New Jersey, he taught children as a Physical Education teacher in his hometown, and then earned a Master of Education degree at William Patterson University to become a school psychologist. He advanced his study of human nature at the California School of Professional Psychology where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology.
Over the past 30 years in Florida, Dr. D’Amato practiced as a psychotherapist, evaluator, and an expert witness in forensic psychology, consultant, and administrator. He was well respected amongst his colleagues, while contributing to the lives of his patients, and to the communities in which he worked. He held the position of Director at the Mental Health Center in Key West and Center of Psychological Services in Orange Park. He was a consulting psychologist at Kindred Hospital in Green Cove Springs, and a valued staff member of the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind here in Saint Augustine.
Of his many accomplishments, the one that Dr. D’Amato valued the most was his successful completion of police training at Saint Johns River State College. He graduated at the top of his class, becoming a Law Enforcement Reservist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
This world has been given so much hope, healing and humor by the unique and special spirit that was Dr. Keith “Rocky” D’Amato. His powerful life force will remain an unwavering beacon, yet friends and family will miss his presence.
A tribute to the life of Dr Keith “Rocky” D’Amato will be held at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind Chapel 207 N. San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, Saturday September 22, 2012 at 1 pm.
A virtual memorial website commemorating Dr. D’Amato’s life has been established. Family and friends are invited to visit www.keith-damato.forevermissed.com to share a story, photos, videos, or tributes.
Those wishing may make contributions in Dr. D’Amato’s memory, please send them to the Bailey Family Center for Caring, c/o NE FL Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257.
Arrangements made courtesy of Saint Johns Family Funeral Home of Saint Augustine.
“Time is all you have…. and you may find one day that you have less than you think.”
Randy Pausch