Mr. Nicholas A. "Nick" Dominick

FRANKFORT - Mr. Nicholas A. “Nick” Dominick, age 68, passed peacefully among his family and loved ones on New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Utica on November 19, 1950, Nicholas was the son of the late Elizabeth A. DiDominick. He was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1968. One day, three decades ago, a girl named Lorraine “put a quarter up” at the pool table, …and it all paid off. On July 28, 1989 Nick married Lorraine M. Joslin, and they had a love for each other like no other. Their love was reliable, and real. She was first mate on the boat as they traveled through their 35-year journey… always trying to be synchronized in their path. Nick was a familiar face at the original Chesterfield Restaurant on Bleecker Street. His mom and aunts invited him to join the business which was built on humble beginnings, and he put his heart into the venture. He dispensed spirits, cooked, and did whatever had to be done. Nick began working at Chicago Pneumatic as a Tool Grinder for a number of years. He then accepted a position as a Heavy Equipment Operator and truck driver for the NY State Department of Transportation. In the winter, he would slam those DOT plow wings down and get the job done. He loved to clear the cold, snow-covered roads! He was dedicated in all his positions and he loved the people he worked with. He became disabled on the job and spent much of his time maintaining the house and helping to raise his youngest son. He always prepared a daily hot meal for his family. Nick had a heart of gold; he was an extroverted guy who enjoyed socializing and talking to everyone. He had a special connection with children who gravitated to him, and so many called him “Uncle Nick”. He also had an affinity for animals and the open air. He was an avid outdoorsman and was proud of his prowess in deer hunting, and his hunting buddies were the best! As he aged, he became tender-hearted, and when he saw a doe, he did not take the shot. Instead, he took photos. His friend Linda introduced him to photography and it became a pastime for him. Nick’s illness forced him to focus on life in a different way, and when he looked through the lens of the camera, he saw things in a way he could never imagine. As a dad, he did his best, and he got better at it. He became his children’s best friend. He always kept his illness to himself and he did something that not many people do anymore — to his last day, he kept up a Christmas Club for his children. Because he was so outgoing and magnetic, Nick had no trouble making friends immediately. He hosted parties at the barn in the backyard, bon fires, and cook-outs nearly every weekend. He enjoyed good times with good people. He had engaging social skills, a great sense of humor, and a penchant for dancing. It was party, party, party, and whatever came along, he was game for it! He was a man who tried his luck at games of chance because all you need to win is “a dollar and a dream”. He was unforgettable. When Nick hit the fairways, he laughed more about the sand traps and expected over pars than any other golfer. He could drive the ball, but putting was a challenge. Anyway, it was all about fun and making people laugh, an area he always aced. Everything was lighthearted and silly; he didn’t want anything to be serious. Marco Island in Florida became a second home blessed with the beach, the sun, and many friends. He had planned to retire there, but he leaves his wife and family the little piece of heaven that meant so much to him. Music was a huge part of his life, and he was a fan of 60’s Rock’n Roll. Lorraine engaged him, sometimes beyond his will to concerts. Once he entered the venue, he got into the music and magic of the moment. Nick led a colorful life, a life not to be duplicated, and his character defines his legacy. Nick was grounded in his Catholic faith and appreciated the beauty of his home parish, St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/ Blessed Sacrament Parish. A benevolent soul, Nick attended benefits and gave from his heart. Only the Lord knows how many acts of kindness were kindled by his compassion, generosity, and love of people. His personality will be engraved in the minds and hearts of many. No matter what level of pain he endured, Nick never complained, and he took care of the business of the day. He shared a special bond with the participants and supporters of the Kayaking 4 Meso, an eight mile paddle down the Hudson River from Stillwater, NY to the Halfmoon Lighthouse Park in Waterford, NY to raise awareness of mesothelioma and funds for research. He wanted this event to be part of his personal journey to support those afflicted and raise hope for a cure. Nick is survived by his wife, Lorraine; his children who he loved with all his heart, Andrea Dominick, Nicholas A. Dominick, and their mother Margaret deGraffenried, and Joseph Dominick; grandchildren, Kareem Mays Jr., and Jaden Dodd; the blessing of his great-grandchild, Kennedy, the ‘sassy baby’; and his siblings, Mark and Cindy DeDominick, and Michelle Tripple. He will also be remembered by his aunts and uncles, Florence DiDominick, and Francis “Hank” DiDominick; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially June, and Kelly; Liz and Tony, and Gerald; and Tracy; in-laws, Lee and Lou Critelli, Doug Joslin and Fiancée Kathy Figueroa; and loyal friends, Linda and Janet Martin Morandi who were family to Nick, and were also his lifeline. He had a community of loyal, supportive, dedicated, and wonderful friends who went above and beyond expectation, especially John Dodge, Jimmy Christensen, Dante Lentricchia, and Fred Arcuri. He was predeceased by his aunts, Edith Venturino and Rose DiDominick. The family is grateful to Dr. Raja Flores at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan for his medical expertise in the field of Mesothelioma Cancer and his encouraging, comforting bedside manner; the staff of the Hope Lodge for their hospitality; Dr. Jerry Sloan, his primary care physician in Utica who diagnosed his cancer; Dr. Tatyana Antonevich, his Pulmonologist who he adored; and Anne Flagg at the Regional Cancer Center for her kindness, compassion, and friendship. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Nicholas’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in Nick’s name may make a donation to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation online at https://www.curemeso.org/donate/donate-online/. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place in Crown Hill Memorial Park at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Nicholas A. "Nick" Dominick

November 19, 1950 - January 1, 2019