Sad news came to us over this past weekend. One of our customers, better yet, one of Dan's friends passed away. Although there was a bit of forewarning, one can never really know how they will feel until it happens.
It's 2004 in November. DWP Carpet Binding has just opened up for business, hosting a "Grand Opening" party. Many people are strolling in to see our facility during the evening hours. I was in charge of greeting everyone, introducing myself as I was new to the business and leading them to the hors d'oeuvres. I observe my mother, Bobbie, using her charm to make each one laugh upon their arrival, while Dan is yucking it up with people he has already done business with for years. I take note of the people who look like they legitimately like Dan and vice versa.
As I'm crossing off a name on the RSVP list, it's then that I meet him. I look up to see an older, yet handsome man with a smile so big, it decreases my need to be shy. I smile back.
"Hello, I'm Nick Damato. Am I on the list?" he jokes.
I introduce myself and reply "yes".
He informs me, "There will be more of my clan."
There was. Many of his sales staff came in for the celebration as well. I cross his name off and watch as he makes his way over to Dan. Dan's face lights up. "Come here you no good SOB!" Dan shouted. They shake hands and I hear Dan joke, "Give me a hug, give me a kiss too, brother." (One of Dan's classic lines.) Their mannerisms continue on like that of old college roommates which tells me these two guys really like each other.
Throughout the years, Nick's business was one of our biggest accounts. Regardless of any obstacles that occurred, he was always one of the biggest proponents in Dan's corner. Countless phone calls back and forth for business purposes, yet there were also quite a few involving personal matters. Nick would call us and if I answered he'd say "Hi. Is Rambo there?" At which point I hand the phone to Dan who answers, "Rambo here." The conversations always ended with Dan saying, " [...] That's why I'm Rambo, I go at them until I run out of ammunition, then I affix the bayonet."
Last Thursday "Rambo" had to make a delivery to Damato's showroom. In an effort to save on gas, he put all of the carpet to be delivered in his Durango as opposed to hooking up his trailer. Along the way, something occurred that has never happened during a delivery. One of the bigger area rugs ended up slipping out on a diagonal with one end dragging on the ground. Dan pulled over to get the carpet back into his SUV. He noticed that the binding would need to be done over again. When he arrives the salesman informs him that they really needed that carpet right away. So, on the following day we repair the binding and Dan fulfills his promise of delivering the piece in time. He also brings with him an Edible Arrangement for Nick, who was not in the showroom, but did have a conversation with Dan over the telephone.
Later Dan says to me, "You know, it has never happened to me before, but that carpet fell out of my car for a reason. It gave me a chance to do the right thing and I was given the chance to put a little closure on my friend dying. I'm glad that it happened."
Nick passed away the following Sunday surrounded by his family.
Dan and Nick have known each other for 25 years. They did business together and in doing so, a friendship was formed. One that was clearly visible to any outsider. When each of Dan's parents passed, Nick sent flower arrangements. When Nick got remarried, Dan was in attendance of the wedding. With that being said, it is difficult not becoming emotional over the loss of a friend. I myself am finding it surreal. One day you're talking carpets and binding, the next you're trying to figure out how to come to terms with sad news.
So, in honor of Mr. Damato, a loyal customer and valuable friend of Dan, I post the following video via youtube.com (it is one of Dan's favorite songs and performances).
With heavy hearts, the team of DWP Carpet Binding offers their condolences to the family and friends.
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