Daniel P. “Dan” Dameo, 89, passed away peacefully at home in Bridgewater, New Jersey, on May 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Millburn, New Jersey, Dan was the devoted son of the late Rocco and Natalie Dameo.

Dan attended Syracuse University and graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Business.  He married Joan Soper of Malone, New York in 1956, and their joyful marriage lasted until his passing – nearly 70 years.  He spent his professional career alongside his brother, Rocque, his sister, Virginia, and his nephews building the family business, Dameo Trucking, which was founded by his father in 1936.

Beyond his family, Dan’s true passion was aviation.  He received his pilot’s license at age 16 and became a highly accomplished and nationally acclaimed aviator flying mostly WWII-era planes, known as Warbirds.  Dan performed in countless airshows throughout the country as part of the Six of Diamonds flight team and as a solo performer. As an EAA Warbirds of America Aerobatic Competency Evaluator (ACE), he trained and certified Warbird pilots for airshow worthiness.  In support of the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale, Long Island, Dan flew their stable of Warbirds at airshows nationally.  He was one of a handful of highly skilled pilots selected by the U.S. Navy Legacy Flight Foundation to fly WWII aircraft alongside today’s military fighter jets in airshows.  As corporate jet pilot for Chubb Insurance during the late 1980s-90s, he flew many life-saving Angel Flights bringing donated organs to needy families.  In 2008, the Federal Aviation Administration presented Dan with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, recognizing his 50 years of professionalism, skill, and expertise in aviation.

Dan was an active member of the Somerville Rotary Club, Warbirds of America, Quiet Birdmen, Raritan Valley Country Club, Jonathan’s Landing Country Club, among others.
Over the years, he enjoyed spending time at family homes in Jupiter, Florida, Bridgewater, NJ, Bridgewater, Vermont, and Owl’s Head, NY.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Joan, his daughters Dianne “Dee” Dameo and Dana (David) Idema, and his son David Dameo.  He was a devoted grandfather to Kendall Gross, Claire Idema, Spencer Dameo, Natalie Dameo, and Elizabeth (Austin) Wages, and great grandfather to Willow Jo Wages.  He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Kathleen Dameo of Bethesda, Maryland, five nephews, and one niece.  Dan was predeceased by his brother, Rocque Dameo, and his sister, Virginia Dameo Kreautler.

Visitation will be from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Cuoco Funeral Home, 10 West End Avenue, Somerville, NJ (908) 707-2058.  Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 158 W. High Street, Somerville, NJ.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or
Tunnels to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org) in Dan’s honor.

Dan’s humor, strength, and generosity will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved him.