Damiano Family To Be Honored by Long Branch Chamber of Commerce

The has been a part of the Long Branch community for over 80 years, and the family behind the business are now being honored.

The Long Branch Chamber of Commerce will present Vida M. Damiano, R. J. “Buddy” Damiano and Diane Damiano Martin with the 2012 Louis G. Libutti Community Service Award at 78th Annual Business Awards Dinner.

The dinner will be held on March 9 at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa, at 1 Ocean Blvd., Long Branch.

Vida’s parents, Ralph and Marie Damiano opened Damiano Funeral Home, at 191 Franklin Ave., in 1932.

"They were an integral part of the community then and it has been continued by Vida, who became manager in 1968, and in 2001 Buddy and Diane continued the direction, management and ownership of the home as the third generation," a release from the chamber of commerce states.

Vida, R.J. and Diane are not just associated with their business, they are also active members of the community and that is one of the reasons they were chosen to receive the Libutti Award.

Vida is also the President of the First Presbyterian Church of Long Branch and a member of the Historical Association and the Long Branch Seniors.  

R.J. became manager of the funeral home in 2001 and is a volunteer Firefighter with the Independent Engine and Truck Co #2 and a founding member and past-Captain of Rescue 85 of the Long Branch Fire Department and a member of Company # 2, West Long Branch.  He is also an active member of the Amerigo Vespucci Society.

Diana currently holds the position of owner/chief financial officer (CFO) of the Damiano Funeral Home, continuing the traditions started by her grandparents in 1932.  She is also the treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church of Long Branch.

The Damiano family will not be the only award recipients in March.

The 2012 President’s Award will be presented to Monmouth University for the Multipurpose Activity Center (MAC). The MAC is a 153,200-square-foot building housing a 4,100-seat arena, a 200-meter, six-lane indoor track, locker rooms, educational and conference space, the University Store, and a modern fitness center at Monmouth University.

The chamber will also be presenting Business Improvement Awards to Long Branch businesses and Norwood Auto Parts.