Assembly Resolution No. 608

BY: M. of A. Reilly

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of
Nicholas W. D'Amora, inspiration for the autism
community and distinguished citizen

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals whose extraordinary spirit and determination are an
inspiration to others; and

WHEREAS, Nicholas W. D'Amora of Annadale, New York, died on Monday,
May 15, 2023, at the age of 25; and

WHEREAS, Nicholas William D'Amora, known to all as Nick, was born to
Barbara and Billy D'Amora on January 29, 1998, in Staten Island where he
attended PS 58 in New Springville, PS 373 at the Staten Island School of
Civic Leadership in Graniteville and South Richmond High School in
Prince's Bay; knowing he wanted to make a difference, he attended Day
Habilitation programs at On Your Mark (The Treehouse), The GRACE
Foundation, and most recently, CrimsonRise (The Studio); and

WHEREAS, In addition to his love for all people, Nicholas W. D'Amora
liked good food and worked at various restaurants on Staten Island,
including Dock's Seafood Restaurant, Project Brunch, and the Annadale
Terrace; and

WHEREAS, Nicholas W. D'Amora's best friend and partner was his
mother Barbara, who was inspired by her son to co-found The GRACE
Foundation of New York in 2000; since its inception, this vital
organization has stayed true to its mission of supporting, educating and
enhancing the quality of life for children/adults and their families
impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder; and

WHEREAS, Nicholas W. D'Amora and his mother hosted seminars for
years across the borough to promote awareness of a new method of
communication that changed his life, Rapid Prompting Method (RPM); and

WHEREAS, Most recently, Nicholas W. D'Amora co-founded CrimsonRise,
the first ever non-profit founded by four non-speaking autistics;
Nicholas and his partners Tejas, Cris and Will established this vital
organization to serve autistic individuals with sensory, movement and
communication differences by presuming competence and providing
communication access and regulation using a spin-off method of RPM
called "Spelling to Communicate"; and

WHEREAS, In addition to working with various organizations, Nicholas
W. D'Amora wrote a chapter of the book Leaders Around Me:
Autobiographies of Autistics who Type, Point and Spell to Communicate by
Dr. Edlyn Pena, and was a public speaker and presenter who shared his
experiences and insights at numerous universities, including St. John's
University, the College of Staten Island, Wagner College, and Touro
College; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to the autism
community, Nicholas W. D'Amora was the recipient of numerous awards and

accolades including the Shining Star Award by The GRACE Foundation; in
2015, he was voted the most Inspirational Staten Islander by the SI
Advance, and in 2019, he was honored at the On Your Mark Gala for his
devoted work as an autism advocate; and

WHEREAS, Nicholas W. D'Amora truly loved life and spent each and
every day living it to the fullest; he could often be found on the beach
and liked to swim, dance, exercise, art and traveling; above all, he
enjoyed spending time with his cherished family; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his grandmothers Patricia Pandolfi and
Connie D'Amora, Nicholas W. D'Amora is survived by his parents, one
brother, Christian; one sister, Natalie; his grandfathers, Robert
Pandolfi and Joseph D'Amora; two aunts, Marie (Tim) Conheeney and
Christine D'Amora; three uncles, Robert (Laura) Pandolfi Jr., Andrew
(Christy) D'Amora, and Jimmy D'Amora; seven cousins, Anthony, Patricia,
Rob, Gianna, Toni, Alexandria and Christopher, as well as numerous
teachers, paras, direct support staff and friends who will long cherish
his memory; and

WHEREAS, Nicholas W. D'Amora dedicated his life to lifting barriers
and expanding choices for all persons with disabilities; through his
intelligence and kindness, he instilled hope and inspired those within
the autism community to be the very best they could be; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Nicholas W. D'Amora leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Nicholas W. D'Amora,
inspiration for the autism community and distinguished citizen; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Nicholas W. D'Amora.