Comments on: Sam D’Amico, A Percussion lcon Passes

By: Pete Zito, 3rd

Pete Zito, 3rd — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:35:02 +0000

Sam,
You left me with a very big void in my life. It’s been more than two years since you went to that big band in the sky, but it feels to me like it was yesterday you and I were having our usual ( almost daily ) chats on the phone. All the “shits” we did together …how could I ever forget. You gave me so much tutelege and direction in my life….even at 64 years of age I still wish I had someone on my life again who could imbue me with the same wisdom you gave so unselfishly…..I have never found another who could equal you and I do so sorely miss the times of our lives we shared in the 40+ years we were like brothers……..keep that drum chair open for me up there…..I think my time is getting near too.
Love always,
Pete Zito, 3rd.

By: Dr. Mike Friedman

Dr. Mike Friedman — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:49:28 +0000

I only started playing drums about 1 1/2 years ago at the age of 40. I am glad I met Sam. He and his staff were very warm and took the time to educate me about drumming equipment. I was shocked and saddened to hear of Sam’s passing. Even though I only met him a few times, you knew you were speaking with a local icon, and a revered individual who touched so many lives. My thoughts and prayers go out his family and close friends.

By: Joe

Joe — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:02:29 +0000

Very sorry to hear that. I was a huge Don Mclean fan back then (and still am). I bought my first guitar at Sam’s and had my first few years of lessons there. My teach was a man named Lou Iaccovelli. Lou had told me he was a great friend of Sam’s and I can believe it. Because that teacher would work me to death (especially in the summers when he knew I had no school to go to – but everything I know aboout the guitar today I owe to Lou and of course Sam. RIP Sam.

By: Jimmy Cicchini

Jimmy Cicchini — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 01:58:20 +0000

He was my first drum teacher and he taught me the foundation of drumming.He taught me the fundamental technique’s with great care and patience and that’s what got me through my career and I hold him in the highest of regards.He was like a Dad to me and gave me advice on all things through out my life.Anytime I walked into his store, no matter how busy he was or what he was doing he always asked me to come into his office to sit down and chat.I was treated to top notch service with great attention to my every need. I will miss him greatly!
Rest easy my great friend Sam…you will always be remembered!

By: Tony Vigilante

Tony Vigilante — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:10:13 +0000

Sam, you were one of the great gentlemen of the drumming community in Philly. Your warm personality was an example to all of your employees and they mirrored that same quality in your shop. You will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace.