Obituary of Dante J. Amoroso

Longtime Hillcrest resident Dante J. Amoroso, 94, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2018. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, to parents who had immigrated from southern Italy, Dante lived there for more than 50 years. He served in the Army in 1943, and in the late 40s, Dante pitched for minor league baseball teams including the Valdosta (GA) Dodgers, Amsterdam (NY) Rugmakers and the Uniontown (PA) Coal Barons. He worked for many years as an engineering draftsman for the County of Passaic, NJ, from which he retired. In 1977, Dante moved to San Diego, the longtime home of his partner, Ed Mager. After Ed’s death in 1981, Dante met Murl Wilson, and together they split their time between Hillcrest and Carrollton, Missouri. After Murl’s passing in 1998, Dante spent much of his time corresponding with and assisting other friends. Athletic and health-conscious, Dante lifted weights for much of his life and long believed in the power of vitamins. He was also passionate about old movies and music, particularly from the 1930s and 40s. In addition to his partners, Dante was predeceased by his brother Nick, who also lived beyond 90. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Bob Doebler of Upland, as well as six nephews and nieces. His remains will be interred at Miramar National Cemetery. In his wallet, Dante carried a quote by John Barrymore: “No one becomes old until regrets take the place of dreams.”