The Honorable Judge Damon J. Faldowski, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, attorney, judge, mentor, and faithful servant of God, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Friday, July 10, 2026. His life was a remarkable testament to faith, integrity, service, and unconditional love for others.

Born on October 27, 1950, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, Damon was the beloved son of the late John P. Faldowski and Wanda Swiergol Faldowski. From an early age, his character and kindness were evident. He served as an altar boy at St. Mary's Church, where his lifelong commitment to serving others reflected that same servant's heart.

Damon developed a love for baseball as a young boy under the guidance of his Uncle Walt Swiergol, and the lessons he learned on the field-discipline, teamwork, humility, and perseverance-would remain with him throughout his life. At Burrell High School, he excelled academically and athletically. He was a standout baseball player, a member of the National Honor Society, and served as President of his graduating class. More importantly, he formed friendships that endured for a lifetime. His unmatched work ethic began in childhood as he worked multiple jobs, developing the determination and humility that became hallmarks of his life.

Following high school, Damon attended Washington & Jefferson College, where he earned his degree in Psychology. He proudly became a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, serving as Vice President during his senior year, while also participating in the Pershing Rifles. During his years at W&J, Damon discovered a passion for the law that would shape the rest of his professional life.

He continued his legal education at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas, earning his JD in 1976. The school's nationally recognized trial advocacy and moot court programs perfectly matched Damon's talents. There he developed into the exceptional trial lawyer he would become, combining meticulous preparation with unwavering integrity.

Upon returning to Washington, Pennsylvania, Damon began his legal career as the Assistant District Attorney of Washington County before co-founding Phillips & Faldowski, P.C. with his brother-in-law, the late and distinguished William D. "Denny" Phillips. Over the next four decades, Damon earned the admiration of judges, clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel alike. A zealous advocate for his clients, Damon brought over 150 trials to verdict. He built a reputation for impeccable ethics, extraordinary preparation, and a moral compass beyond reproach. He was known as a formidable advocate whose word was trusted without question and whose commitment to justice inspired everyone fortunate enough to work with him.

His distinguished legal career reached its pinnacle when, after forty years of practicing law, he was appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf and sworn in as Judge of the Washington County Court of Common Pleas-a role he considered the greatest professional honor of his life. He faithfully served the citizens of Washington County until his retirement from the bench in 2019, after which he continued serving others as a respected mediator.

Throughout his career, Damon remained deeply involved in the legal profession. He was an active member of the Washington County Bar Association (President), Washington County Bar Foundation (Board Member), Pennsylvania Bar Association (Board of Governors) Allegheny County Bar Association (Member), American College of Trial Lawyers (Member and Fellow), Litigation Counsel of America and the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Southwestern Pennsylvania (President, Vice President, and Treasurer). He also received the Robert L. Ceisler Award for Professionalism as well as W&J’s W. Edward Sell Legal Achievement Award for his contributions to the legal profession, his alma mater, and the nation.

While Damon cherished the practice of law, he believed in serving others. He generously gave his time through pro bono legal work, coached students with the Avella Mock Trial Team, volunteered regularly at the Washington City Mission, PONY Baseball, TWIST Softball, and the Washington County Community Foundation. A devoted member of Immaculate Conception Church at St. James Parish in Washington, he faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Damon participated in several overseas mission trips and loved the opportunity to help those in need. Service to others was never something Damon simply did-it was who he was.

In 1978, Damon met his first love, Roberta "Robbie" Abel, an elementary school teacher at John F. Kennedy School in Washington. They married and together built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and love. They were blessed with three children, Julie, DJ, and Mark-who each attended John F. Kennedy School before graduating from Trinity High School. In 2003, Damon experienced one of life's greatest joys with the birth of his first granddaughter, Kaleigh, with whom he shared an especially close and treasured bond. That same year brought profound heartbreak when Robbie was called home to the Lord weeks after their twenty-third wedding anniversary.

God graciously blessed Damon with a second chapter of love when he married Dianne McClelland Faldowski in 2007. A fellow Washington & Jefferson graduate and attorney, Dianne shared Damon's passion for faith, family, and service. Together they built a wonderful life filled with travel, home improvement projects, discovering new restaurants, raising beloved dogs, and creating cherished memories with family and friends.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Damon would tell anyone that his greatest achievement was his family. Affectionately known as "Papa," he adored his grandchildren, Kaleigh, Sloane, Damon III, Ford, Rylee, and Robbie. To them, he was the person everyone could trust-the one who loved unconditionally, treated every person with kindness and respect, and somehow always made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. He delighted in sharing his lifelong love of baseball with them, and they will forever treasure the daily jokes he faithfully sent each morning. Perhaps most meaningful of all was the way every conversation ended-with the simple yet powerful words, "I love you."

Damon's faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation upon which he built every aspect of his life. Every morning began with Scripture, and he lovingly shared God's Word with family and friends through daily texts, phone calls, and conversations. He believed faith was meant to be lived, and his life reflected Christ's example of humility, compassion, generosity, and forgiveness.

Outside of work, Damon found joy on the golf course, loved relaxing in Sarasota, followed his investments with enthusiasm, and remained an unwavering Pittsburgh Pirates fan through every season. He loved to laugh, possessed a quick wit, and wore a smile that instantly put others at ease. His selflessness, integrity, generosity, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Damon is survived by his loving wife, Dianne; his sisters, Sandra Phillips and Suzanne Reynolds (Jeff); his children, Julie, DJ (Liz), and Mark (Amy); his cherished grandchildren, Kaleigh, Sloane, Damon III, Ford, Rylee, and Robbie; his mother-in-law, Doloris McClelland; and was a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews with whom he maintained close relationships. Additionally, he loved his dog, Rocky Balboa, and cherished his beloved extended family members, lifelong friends, colleagues, and countless people whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him.

Though his accomplishments were many, the true measure of Damon's life was not found in the titles he held, the cases he won, or the honors he received. It was found in the countless lives he touched through kindness, integrity, generosity, faith, and love. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in his family, his profession, his Church, and his community.

As Timothy stated in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Similarly, Damon always fought the good fight and has now finished the race, but all the while keeping the faith.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 from 1 - 4 and 6 - 9 P.M. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Owner/Supervisor, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Holly Renay Warco, Director. A Departing Prayers of Transfer Service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 in the funeral home at 8:45 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. in the Immaculate Conception Church, St. James Parish, 119 W. Chestnut St., Washington with the Rev. Dan Beeman as celebrant. Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Legacies Alive at www.legaciesalive.com or to the Washington Christian Outreach at www.wcoutreach.com. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com

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