Nicholas A. Damiani

Nicholas Anthony Damiani passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday June 3, 2026, after a brave battle with Glioblastoma, he was 74. Nic was a cherished husband, brother, uncle and friend and he will be deeply missed.

Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania to Nicholas and Mary Damiani, music was the driving force in Nic's life. He was a graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and also pursued additional study in organ performance and music education at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

He taught elementary classroom music for 30 years in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. A highlight of his teaching career was securing a grant from the Metropolitan Opera where Nic introduced opera to fourth grade students, guiding them as they wrote, composed, produced and directed an original opera that was performed at the end of the school year. He was a lifelong opera enthusiast.

Nic served for 40 years as an organist and music director in Lutheran churches. After relocating from Philadelphia to Hot Springs in December 2016, Nic shared his talent with many local churches and became a beloved fixture in the music and Christian communities. He was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. He was especially devoted to the music of J.S. Bach, a passion that informed both his musicianship and teaching.

Nic enjoyed walks on the trails, was an avid traveler, a community volunteer and a voracious reader who loved sitting in his hot tub reading.

In the last years of his life, Nic became interested in painting and, fueled by his affinity for religious art, began painting icons as an outlet of meditation. He enjoyed shopping for and collecting Russian religious icons and Roseville pottery. He loved pasta and gelato and an occasional Laphroaig single malt scotch. He was especially proud of his full Italian heritage and adored Sicily.

Nicholas will be lovingly remembered and celebrated by his life partner and husband, Scot Key; his sister, Kathy Toms (Scott); his nieces and nephew, Cali, Leah and Jarrett; his many cousins; his dearest friend, Christine Griffith; and a legion of friends and countless individuals whose lives he touched through his music and teaching.

Riposi in Pace.

Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 20, at the First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Ave, Hot Springs, Arkansas. With reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of his love of music, education and felines, please make any desired donation remembrances to: Guardian Angels Cat Rescue and Adoption Shelterhttps://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/NR42HBBW5KLU8OR the Hot Springs Music Connection Scholarship Fund.

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