Mr. Dominick J. "Doc" Rose Jr.

April 28, 1932 - May 12, 2022

UTICA – Mr. Dominick J. “Doc” Rose, Jr., age 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 12, 2022. As always, his devoted family surrounded him with love as they bid their farewells to their “sugar daddy”. Born in Utica on April 28, 1932, to the late Dominick J. and Lucia (Pietropaolo) Rosa, Dominick was raised and educated locally, having attended Wetmore Elementary School. A man with humble beginnings, Dominick went to work while still very young to help his parents. He went on to enlist in the US Army, by which he took part in the Korean conflict, particularly in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill where on his 21st birthday, Dominick stepped on a landmine in an attempt to protect a fellow GI. It was through that valiant incident that left Dominick with life-long injuries. During his time in service, he was the recipient of various medals, inclusive of the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense and United Nation Service Medals, and most notably the Purple Heart for his bravery. Through working together at the iconic DeCuffa’s Bakery, there was a friendship bonded as co-workers, and on September 3, 1956, Dominick married the former Carmella Brescia and the whirlwind began! As a husband, Dominick was a good provider—and he was Carmella’s “Sugar Daddy.” Even when they disagreed, Dominick would choose to see things Carmella’s way. They loved each other deeply and were a fine example of what a marriage should be. They made the magic happen for nearly 66 years, always working together. A hard worker and an industrious man, Dominick began working at Brescia Sign Co. for many years, followed by a position with the Friendly Sign Company. Many considered him to be one of the finest sign makers in all of Utica, for he had created many of Utica’s notable and memorable signs. When working, Dominick would start with the initial design and perfect the product. He liked to putter—along with his brothers—and was constantly remodeling and improving whatever could use it. Each of them had their own unique talent to bring to a project, for they had vast innate qualities as a team. Dominick was an easygoing man who, as a father, had earned the respect of his sons. They often frequented the family camp on Black River, a camp that Doc and his brothers built. A strong man, Dominick brought that strength and resolve to all areas of his life. He was loved and admired by all, especially as he accepted life challenges with grace. Dominick was known as a “man’s man” and yet never swore; he knew how to live his life with laughter. The abundance of Dominick’s love grew as his family matured and the grandchildren came into his life. He was a man with a full heart. “Pop” was a mentor to his grandchildren, who flocked to him for love, advice, and precious quality time. Sunday mornings were Dominick’s time to make breakfast, which he did even when in a wheelchair. As testimony has it, he was an outstanding cook, and he prepared a vast variety of foods. On Monday nights, Carmella cooked, and a game of Pitch would begin—although he was the only one who really knew how to play the game! Dominick loved the family’s multigenerational celebrations, and his grandchildren rejoiced in joining in and seizing every opportunity to be together. Even in their adulthood they would spend New Year’s Eve with their “Pop.” The family has made sure to continue all of the traditions, which has been their honor and delight to do. Dominick was known for some of his own quirks, like having his own vocabulary that included many “Doc”isms. Additionally, he had a collection of wine glasses that were engraved with some of his many words of wisdom (written with his East Utica slang): “Yous are all crack pots” and “My mudder, my fadder, and kid brudder.” Dominick was also a stamp and coin collector. He furthermore enjoyed frequenting horse racing, particularly at Vernon Downs in the early years, and then visiting Saratoga Race Track for all of its excitement, he was a decent handicapper, and he especially enjoyed the casino with his wife Carmella. Of all his many accomplishments, Dominick especially appreciated the blessing of blending the Rose and Brescia families, through whom he and Carmella had made memorable friendships, all of whom gathered for family reunions with cousins galore. Anyone could come to the Rose house, for it was open to all. Doc and his family treasured their trips to Baltimore to visit his in-laws, Patricia and Ramon Salas, his godson Louis and Barbara Salas, his niece Lisa and Sam Bayne and their children Sam, Elena, Lindsey and Sara. Dominick was involved in various civic organizations, including the Ft. Schuyler Post 1290; VFW NY Mills Post 7393; and Engine II. A man of faith, Dominick was a parishioner at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. He is survived by his loving wife, Carmella; and his sons and daughters-in-law, Dominick J. “Dicky” and Sharon A. Rose, and Michael L. and Jean M. Rose. He will live on in the hearts of his grandchildren, Valentina Rose and fiancé Raymond Ulrich, Dr. Dominick and Amanda Rose, twins Julianna Rose and Dante Rose and fiancée Kaitlyn DiFlo, Michael D. Rose, Federal Officer CBP and Justine Hamilton, Anthony Rose and fiancée Hannah Brown, and Francesca Rose, —she was instrumental in his care during Dominick’s last journey at his rehab as well as a comfort to “Pop” and to the entire family. Dominick was blessed to have his only great-grandchild: Leah, whom he called “Little Girl, # 2.” He was predeceased by his siblings and their loves, Mary and Joseph DeGeorge, Adeline and Frank Juliano, Isabelle R. and Raymond Guido, Michael P. Rose, John F. Rosa, Pasquale “Pat” Rose, Angela “Angie” Rosa, and Ronald A. and Lynda Rosa. Left to carry on the memories is Dominick’s sister-in-law, Florence Rose. He was a loving uncle to his nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews; as well as a beloved presence in the lives of his cousins and godchildren. Dominick leaves behind his sister-in-law, Jeanette Brescia. He shared many good years with Raymond Paciello, John Vella, and was saddened to have lost his dear and long-time friend, Louis “Weisy” Kallasy. Additionally, Peter Zyma knew the fatherly love of Doc who loved him as a son. Dominick was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Agazio “Michael” and Gaetana “Carrie” (Bellezza) Brescia; and his in-laws, Mary and Joseph Riccardi, Anthony and Mary Brescia, Frank J. and Josephine Brescia, Rose and Frank J. Comito, Nicholas J. Sr. and Genevieve “Jenny” Brescia, Joseph J. and Betty Brescia, Teresa B. and Adelbert Brown, Fred A. Brescia, and Patricia and Dr. Ramon Salas. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Marissa Kalil at MVHS at St. Luke’s Campus, who played a huge part in giving Doc additional time with his family, and especially acknowledging his niece, Stephanie Pastorelli, RN, whose familiar face brought comfort to Doc; as well as the entire staff who showed great respect and care to all. During his medical journey, he was cared for by the caring staff at the VA Hospital in Syracuse; the Iroquois Nursing Home in Jamesville, NY was his last place of care for which it would not be possible without the assistance of his granddaughter, Francesca, whose daily visits and updates brought comfort to the family; to Tom, Dominick’s aid and right-hand man at the nursing home; and to Fr. James Fritzen, who brought harmony and closeness, as well as his Anointing of the Sick prayers with such grace. The family commemorated Dominick’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Dominick’s Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church; military honors will be conferred by the US Army. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dominick’s being a disabled veteran may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, payable online at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?; envelopes will also be available at the Mass. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. “In Doc’s memory, whenever you see a veteran, please remember to thank them for their service.”