We are proud to say that we have simply amazing people in our family of clients. Each month we take time out to shine a spotlight on our clients’ accomplishments, passions and experiences.

Please meet Maureen and Gino Damiani. Gino was born in 1933 in Pola, Italy (now Pula, Croatia). At the end of WWII, his family moved within the new boarders of Italy. His father was away at war and his mother was required to work away from home, so Gino lived in orphanages for many years and attended public schools. Later, he graduated from a technical institute in Venice. He lived near Bergamo for a few years while working in Milano. At age 21, he emigrated to Columbus, Ohio with his mother and two brothers to join their step-father who had prepared a home for them.

It is in Columbus, Ohio that Gino met Maureen. Maureen was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After high school, she moved with her sister’s family to Columbus, Ohio, where she worked and began her studies at Ohio State University. She and Gino were married in 1960. Their 2 sons, Paul and Lui, were born in less than 3 years. They both treasured the time they spent raising their boys.

Except for two years in the US Army at Fort Knox, Gino was employed at Ace Radio, a large shop in downtown Columbus, until he retired after 40 years. He served as an electronic technician, service manager and co-owner. Gino retired early, allowing him the opportunity to help his father who needed more care as the years passed.

Maureen began her career as a devoted Certified Teaching Aide and then 10 years as Administrative Aide to the Ohio Senate Minority Leader. In 1990, after 13 years of evening classes as a “returning student”, Maureen became a cum laude graduate of Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Before Maureen and Gino moved to Orlando in 2004, Maureen was the Operations Director for the Ohio Bicentennial Commission. She continued her public service in Orlando and in 2006 was appointed by the Mayor to Orlando’s Municipal Planning Board for 3 terms, serving both as Vice-Chair and Chair. In 2008 she was appointed to Orlando’s Housing Review Committee, serving 3 years as Chair, and served from 2011-2012 on the Community Advisory Board for WMFE.

Both Maureen and Gino enjoy working out at the Downtown YMCA. Maureen enjoys reading American historical fiction in her free time and Gino can be occasionally heard sharing his vocal talents at St. Charles Borromeo Church.

It was our privilege to serve Gino and Maureen. To show our appreciation for their trust in us, we have made a donation their honor to The Victim Service Center of Central Florida.