In the heart of Princeton, New Jersey, resides a couple whose journey is as captivating as it is inspiring. Meet Marge and John D’amico, a duo whose bond has weathered nearly seventy years of life’s twists and turns. United by love and a shared heritage rooted in Italian ancestry, their story is a testament to resilience, ambition, and unwavering commitment.

Their tale began in the quaint town of Rochester, New York, where fate intervened at a birthday celebration. Marge and John, drawn together by destiny’s hand, embarked on a journey that would shape their lives and those around them. Education emerged as a cornerstone of their shared ambitions. John, a brilliant mind, secured a scholarship to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1955, eventually earning a PhD in physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Marge’s journey mirrored her husband’s determination. Armed with a degree in molecular biology, she navigated academia while tending to their children in challenging conditions.

As Marge pursued her studies, her commitment to family and education remained unshaken. Their parents’ struggles and triumphs wove into the D’amico legacy. Marge’s father journeyed to America through Ellis Island, leaving Italy behind for a new path. John’s mother, despite health adversities, found solace in crafting German pastries. As their story unfolded, Marge and John embraced life’s challenges hand in hand. Today, they advocate for educational initiatives at the Princeton Senior Resource Center, infusing gratitude and enthusiasm into every program.

The D’amico narrative—a mosaic of love, sacrifice, and education—exemplifies unity and the enduring embrace of cultural heritage. In a changing world, Marge and John D’amico stand as a beacon of commitment and a testament to a life well-lived.

by Ana Carolina González-Peña, Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging