Guy F. Damore 1924-2025

Guy was born July 25, 1924, in Youngstown, to Pietro and Almerinda DeChellis Damore, who immigrated from Pacentro, Italy. They raised their family with love and dedication on Elberen Street in Youngstown, where Guy’s life was shaped by the values of hard work,family and community.

A proud 1942 graduate of Chaney High School, Guy enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18.

He served as a medic in France and Belgium during World War II, and after the war, remained committed to serving his country in the Army Reserve, ultimately attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel.

He continued his education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Youngstown University after beginning his studies at Kent State University.

On Dec. 14, 1946, Guy married his beloved Mary Jayne Fabanish, whom he met at the Elms Ballroom. Their love story spanned 72 years, filled with devotion to each other, their family and their community. Together, they built a life in Youngstown, later moving to Austintown in 1948, where they built a home and created lasting memories with neighbors who became lifelong friends. In their later years, Guy and Mary Jayne found peace and joy in their home in Canfield.

Mary Jayne passed in 2019.

Guy’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from an early age, and he followed in the footsteps of his father, a carpenter, in founding his own construction company, GF Damore & Co. Over the years, he built many homes and commercial buildings across the Youngstown area. He was also an early investor in Perkins Pancake House restaurants, a venture that allowed him to touch many lives in his community.

Guy’s leadership extended beyond his businesses, as he was involved with the National Home Builders Association, the Veterans Association, the Wolves Club of Youngstown, Argus Lodge and Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Parish.

Despite his many accomplishments, even with his business successes, he remained a Depression-era worker at his core, often found with a toolbelt on his waist and a pencil pocket in his shirt, fixing (or trying to) whatever needed attention.

At 72, he built a new home in Canfield, never letting age slow him down.

Although Guy’s eyesight prevented him from pursuing his dream of becoming an Army pilot, he became a private pilot after the war and continued flying for over 60 years. His most cherished aircraft was his 1977 Ted Smith Aerostar, which he used to take family and friends on memorable flights across the country.

Guy’s remarkable longevity was a result of his unwavering positive attitude, his relentless work ethic, and his focus on staying active and healthy. He believed in eating well, taking his supplements, and — most importantly — enjoying life, especially through his daily walks along the beaches of Delray Beach, Florida, where he spent his winters.

His visits to the Youngstown YMCA kept him physically active, and his upbeat spirit was a testament to his resilience and optimism.

Above all, Guy was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

Guy is survived by his two children, Dr. Stuart (Paula) Damore of Austin, Texas, and Lisa (Anthony) Obey of Boston, Massachusetts, and Delray Beach, Florida.

Guy is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Christina Damore, Peter (Crystal) Damore, Michael Waldron, Megan (Josh) Charlton, Robert Guy Damore, Jason Damore, Robert P. Damore, Andrew (Kelly) Obey, and Alyssa and Alyson Obey; and 10 great-grandchildren, Kate and Brynn McGrath, Sofia and Samuel Kundivich, Adeline, Nathan and Lucas Obey, and Dax, Isla and Ozzy Damore. He will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews and extended family from the Damore, Doinoff and Mastro families.

He was preceded in death by two of his children, Donna Damore Waldron and Atty. Robert P. Damore.

Guy was preceded in death by all of his siblings, two older sisters who passed away as young children, as well as Louis Damore, Ann Mastro, Lawrence Damore and Jean Doinoff.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Diane Mastro Nard, his niece, and the caregivers from Another Way HCO and Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley for their loving care and support during his final days. A special thank you to Jeffery Doinoff, Nick and Theresa Doinoff, Cindy Gorczyca and Joe Mastro for their loving support.

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, followed by a prayer service.

Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Guy’s memory to Another Way HCO, 29531 Georgetown Road, Salem, OH 44460.

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