Thomas J. “Tom” Damman, 61, of Manitowoc, passed away unexpectedly at home on October 29, 2026. Tom was born on July 25, 1965, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Joyce (Dassey) Damman and the late James Damman.

Tom graduated from Lincoln High School in 1983 and later attended ACME Institute of Technology. He began his career with Jagemann Stamping Company 38 years ago as a press floor tech and advanced to the position of tooling engineer. It was a place where he bettered himself, developed multiple skills, and enjoyed interacting with his coworkers, many of whom became lifelong friends. Tom was proud of the work he did and had been looking forward to retiring next year—a fact evident by the countdown clock proudly displayed on his desk and his eagerness to share his excitement with anyone willing to listen. In retirement, he was looking forward to traveling to destinations both old and new and making new memories with family and friends.

Tom married Kristine Kelliher on June 6, 1992. Kristine knew she was in for a life of adventure and laughs when he broke out into a solo dance at their wedding reception. He took over the dance floor sporting a pair of tanning goggles and entertained everyone as he performed “the shopping cart,” “the policeman,” and many other crazy dances. At his daughter Elise’s wedding this past summer, the tables were turned when Elise surprised him with a pair of tanning goggles, and the father-daughter duo hit the dance floor together, recreating his iconic dance.

Tom beamed as he watched his kids’ accomplishments throughout the years. When his son Bryce completed his first marathon, Tom couldn’t stop telling people his time and just how proud he was of him. When Elise traveled internationally, he couldn’t wait to hear about her adventures. Through every life event, Tom showed up for his family in big and small ways. Whether he was checking the weather from states away, telling his latest dad joke, sharing a new recipe, or gushing about a favorite meal he had discovered at a local establishment — Tom was always present, always caring, and always reminding those around him how much he appreciated and loved them. His smile was unforgettable, and his laugh was infectious.

Tom enjoyed hunting, playing softball, participating in dart league and couples’ volleyball, and taking multiple trips to Mexico and the Caribbean with Kristine and their friends. He especially enjoyed camping and was the organizer of the group’s annual “Adult Camping” trips—a tradition made memorable by its no-kids-allowed rule and the creative themes he came up with. In recent years, Tom took up trap shooting and sporting clays, hobbies he enjoyed sharing with his friends and kids.

Throughout his life, Tom also enjoyed giving back to the community, often participating in local charity events like Heart-A-Rama, Gumby’s Club Fore a Cure, and other benefits. Among Tom’s proudest accomplishments was coaching Manitowoc Chiefs Football for over 10 years. He loved coaching alongside his friends, and no one could deny that he also loved a good “Coach’s Meeting” at the clubhouse afterward. Tom passionately enjoyed Wisconsin sports and was fortunate enough to see the Brewers win the World Series—a victory he was able to celebrate with his family.

Above all, Tom’s greatest joy was the family and friends he loved so much. He is survived by his wife, Kristine Damman; his daughter and her husband, Elise Damman (Kyle Markovic); his son, Bryce Damman; his stepson, Justin Kelliher; his mother, Joyce Damman; his sisters, Peggy Dufek, Lynn Lesperance, and Sue (Brian) Schermetzler; and his brother-in-law, Michael (Jenny) Kelliher. Many good friends, nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Damman; his brother-in-law, Phil Dufek; his mother-in-law, Marilyn Cover; his close friends John “Johnny M.” Mountford, John “Nolan” Ryan, Todd Holschbach, and Chuck Dehne; and his loving furry friend, Rocky.

A funeral service with shared memories will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water Street, Manitowoc. Lisa Novachek will officiate the service. Family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 5:00 p.m. A reception will be held following the service at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water St., Manitowoc.

In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family would appreciate donations made in his memory to Heart-A-Rama or the Manitowoc Chiefs Football Club.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.