Michael Anthony Damiani, of Elmhurst, Illinois, departed this world in his favorite sitting room of his familial home, on October 9, 2024.

Mr. Damiani was born “Joseph-Edgar Fleurry” on March 23, 1961, according to a baptismal certificate from S. Vincent de Paul church in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Given up by his “unknown” birth parents, he was adopted at age 2 by Anthony and Norma Damiani, originally from Des Moines, Iowa. Together, they raised Michael in a loving home.

A graduate of York High School in Elmhurst IL, Michael had an average childhood of baseball, school and vacations. He was the singer in a local rock band, “Outrage” in the 70s, who’s catchy catchphrase was “Do you mind if we ROCK?”. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from College of DuPage (Wheaton, IL), and had a long career in television post-production.

Beginning in 1980 in the video duplication center with Deltak, Inc. (a major publisher of data processing training), Michael rose thru the ranks to be a top tape operator and editor, and went on to a distinguished career as a lead video editor for Polycom Productions/Northwest Teleproductions, Domain Telemedia, Chicago Video of Buffalo Grove IL, Intersport Productions (Chicago), and Green Fields Media. Michael’s devotion to his craft, and his close attention to the details of his work, made him a favorite amongst peers and clients alike. He edited numerous local and national television commercials, corporate videos by the score, nationally-syndicated sports programming like “The Superchargers” (produced by the immortal Jan Gabriel), and won numerous awards for his editorial skills.

Michael was also generous with his time and knowledge, encouraging several aspiring editors to further their careers, and providing advice and instruction whenever asked. As the industry moved to digital equipment solutions, Mr. Damiani was on the forefront of this change, assisting client facilities with their moves into the new technology.

The turn of the century brought personal challenges for Michael. A divorce, drug addiction and the loss of his mother put him to the test, but to his credit he did get sober, “worked the program”, led guided meditation meetings, and came back to his friends and his father.

Later in life, he became a devoted son, taking care of his aging father Anthony, shepherding him through quadruple bypass surgery, and a move into a retirement/long-term care facility. The elder Mr. Damiani passed away in 2021 (at 101 years old!), leaving Michael alone in his familial home.

Michael was a passionate fan of rock music, citing Queen, Todd Rundgren, Kiss and The Monkees as his favorites, and had an extensive collection of music which he listened to often. He was a guitarist as well, and loved strumming on one of his many guitars. A great lover of the comedic arts, he counted The Three Stooges and Pee Wee Herman among comedians he enjoyed.  An avid cat fancier, he generally always had a pair around the house. Especially remembered are Ringo” and “Abby”, two Bengal cats who were the loves of his life.  

Everyone who met or knew Michael was impressed with his good humor, quick wit,  and loving personality. He was sharp, funny, loyal and honest, a true friend and a caring, concerned parent.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Alexandria, and two grandchildren. He also has a cousin, Jim, from the Des Moines area.

No services are planned, and I’m sure Michael would just prefer that we all remember how much love he had for all of us.

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