Obituary of Damien J. Santiamo

Damien Joseph Santiamo, 41, formerly of Poughkeepsie, NY, went to The Lord on March 17, 2024. He was born May 1, 1982; the son of Gene L. Santiamo and Wanda R. Leskody. Damien was a 2001 graduate of Arlington High School, where he excelled in wrestling. He then earned a BSN degree in nursing from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, later applyinghis skills regionally at Westchester Medical Center. From there, Damien’s passion for his country and longstanding desire to carry on a family legacy of military service, notably by his father (U.S. Army), inspired him to enlist in the U.S. Air Force. Stationed in Texas, he served honorably, attaining the rank of 1stLieutenant. Remaining in Texas, Damien returned to the medical field in various roles, including dutiful service to his community as an EMT. Most recently, he was poised to become a teacher after earning his Master’s Degree in History from Houston Christian University.

In his youth, Damien loved an audience. His quick wit (and maturely dry sense of humor) was good for a tableside joke. He had an insatiable appetite for spicy Asian food and immersed himself in the culture during a well-earned vacation to Thailand in his 20s. As a kid Damien also enjoyed martial arts and the discipline it instilled in him to treat his body like a temple as a weightlifter. This was on full display when he finished top of his Air Force training class in physical fitness. 

A true animal lover, Damien showed a gentle touch with all of nature’s creatures, from lizards and insects to his beloved cats. He was also drawn to fishing, joining Dad on Wappinger’s Creek and ice fishing on Morgan Lake.

Very early in life Damien also demonstrated the humanity within him. He befriended a fellow 3-year-old – one that hailed from overseas, helping him to assimilate to life in a new land, and to learn English and all about Transformers. 

Damien is survived by his parents, sister Alissa Chilson (Jonathan), Scott (Charyl), and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Calling Hours will be held on Monday March 25, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday March 26, 2024 12pm at Holy Trinity Church Poughkeepsie, with Burial to follow and Military Honors at St. Peter's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Damien’s honor to Disabled American Veterans, The Wounded Warrior Project or the ASPCA.