A “Celebration of Life” in memory of Dennis D. Dammerman will be held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Sunday, January 19, 2014, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM in the Wellington Club alongside the International Arena. The memorial program will begin at 5:00 PM.
A founding partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners and esteemed horse owner, Dammerman was crucial to the growth and success of the PBIEC and the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). His commitment and leadership helped propel the event into its leading position in the world of equestrian sport. The Dennis D. Dammerman Perpetual Trophy, a Baccarat crystal horse first presented in 2013, honors his contribution to the sport and will be presented annually to the winner of the $500,000 FTI Consulting WEF Grand Prix Finale.
Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo remarked, “Dennis Dammerman has been critical to the role of expanding the Winter Equestrian Festival and instrumental in bringing the show and the venue to what it is today. He has contributed greatly to the sport as an owner as well, and we deeply honor and will miss our friend.”
Dennis’ friends and colleagues are invited to attend the Celebration of Life and are welcome to “come as you are”. The memorial program will include remembrances from friends, family, and business associates and a photo and video tribute. In addition to the scheduled speakers, an opportunity will be provided for others who also wish to share memories of Dennis.
Born and raised in Iowa, and a graduate of the University of Dubuque, Dennis built a 38-year career with General Electric Company, first joining GE’s Financial Management Program, then progressing through the Corporate Audit Staff and several management positions to become the youngest ever Chief Financial Officer of GE, and ultimately reaching the posts of Chairman of GE Capital Services and Vice Chairman of GE.
Throughout his career and following his retirement from GE in 2005, he served on various boards including BlackRock Inc., Adirondack Trust Company, Skidmore College, New York Racing Association, Saratoga Automobile Museum, Fairfield University, Swiss Re, Genworth Financial, Capmark Financial Group and Discover Financial Services; and he was a founding partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners. While retired, he was recruited by the U.S. Treasury Department to join the American International Group Board of Directors during the financial crisis, where he was instrumental in rescuing AIG.
Dennis’ family and friends will remember him for his intelligence and generous spirit, for sharing vibrant meals and a busy kitchen, for the enjoyment he found in horse racing and show jumping, and for sharing his love of both classic and contemporary automobiles.
He is survived by his wife, Marsha Finn Dammerman of Wellington, Florida; his mother, Louise Lichtenstein of DeWitt, Iowa; his stepmother, Viola Dammerman of DeWitt, Iowa; his mother-in-law, Phyllis A. Finn of Frankfort, New York; his son, David Dammerman and wife Judith Dore of Saratoga Springs, New York; his daughter, Heather Dammerman Wesoloski and husband David of Fairfield, Connecticut; his sister, Carol Galloway of Grand Mound, Iowa; his brother, Randy Burmester and wife Joanne of Saratoga Springs, New York; his brother, Russ Fey and wife Leona of Phoenix, Arizona; his brother, Douglas Burmester and wife Sandra of Stanwood, Washington; his three grandchildren, Eric Dammerman of Saratoga Springs, New York, and Craig and Emma Wesoloski of Fairfield, Connecticut; the mother of David and Heather, Patricia Dammerman of Fairfield, Connecticut; and many loving nieces and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his father Morris Dammerman; his brother, Larry Dammerman; his stepfather, Donald Fey; his stepfather, Glenn Lichtenstein; his father-in-law, Thomas J. Finn; and his brother-in-law, Dwain Galloway.
In memoriam contributions can be made to the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments via Executive Director Anne Caroline Valtin (annecaroline@equestriansport.com) and made payable to Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund with the memo “2014 Great Charity Challenge – In memory Dennis Dammerman”.
Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com