Obituary of Dominic P. Esposito

Dominic Esposito of Valley Stream NY passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018.  He was 82 years of age and the last surviving sibling from a family of nine. 

Dominic was a devoted, loving husband to JoAnn, his wife of 54 years.  He was a committed, steadfast father to his children, Maria Elena and Joseph, as well as their spouses, Joseph Moran and Jean Esposito, whom Dominic considered as his own. Dominic was an attentive, doting grandfather to his four grandchildren, whom he thought of constantly, Marlena, Catherine, Dominique and Jack.  Dominic enjoyed a lifetime of friendship and family ties with his childhood closest friend who later also became his brother-in-law, Arnold Ercole. 

The story of how Dominic met JoAnn could have been from a scene in an old-fashioned romantic movie.  JoAnn was a passenger in a car on her way to a Fourth of July picnic on a beautiful day in upstate NY.  At the time, she did not know Dominic, who was driving his T-Bird in the next highway lane.  Their eyes met and a connection was made.  Little did they know they were headed to the same picnic, and they’d be together ever since.  Dominic and JoAnn had a beautiful life and were true companions.  They happily shared many joyful moments and provided comfort to each other through difficult times.  Dominic and JoAnn enjoyed working together hosting many parties for their family; JoAnn did the cooking and Dominic was the baker.  Their kitchen was truly the center the family life.  Through the many years of entertaining, the dessert table was graced with Dominic’s famously perfect cheesecake.  That cheesecake became Dominic’s trademark.  His daughter Maria Elena is now carrying the cheesecake tradition on in his memory.  He later developed a recipe for scones that became another sought-after treat (including sought and found by his daughter’s dog, Felline).  He put love into every effort, even in his baking, and when he gave someone something he baked, that person knew it was a gift from the heart.

Dominic gained tremendous courage, strength and character from challenges that he faced early on in his life.  Through that strength, he gained perspective and he passed this gift of knowledge to his children:  it is because of difficult times that we can better recognize and appreciate when life is sweet.  Together with his wife JoAnn, Dominic provided so many examples of wisdom and strength of character from which his children flourished.  Dominic possessed a rare work ethic, often working two jobs to help ensure that his family would be well-cared for.  His dedication to doing his job well, with perfection, honesty, integrity and professionalism was a hallmark of his work life.  This quality has been a guidepost for his children and now his grandchildren as they are beginning their own careers.      

Dominic possessed a creative nature.  He handcrafted many pieces of furniture for his family which will be enjoyed by generations to come.  Dominic shared his gift for building with his son, Joseph.  One very special project they created together is a cradle for Dominic’s first grandchild, Marlena.  Dominic also had a very curious mind and loved to fix and improve things.  Many weekends would find Dominic in the driveway, working on the family’s automobiles, especially his three Volkswagen Bugs.  Dominic’s nephew, Louis, would come by to lend a hand and spend some time with his uncle. Dominic treasured these memories. 

Dominic had a passion for travel; he loved to plan the annual family road trips, and in his later years he enjoyed reminiscing with his family on the many happy memories created during those trips, almost as much as he enjoyed the trips themselves.  Dominic had a flair storytelling in a way that made his listeners feel like they can visualize the same scene.  He loved to sing, especially Irish songs.  Dominic was very proud to serve our great country in his role as an army medic.  Dominic also became an army paratrooper. Dominic looked forward to his once-monthly visits with his childhood friends from Brooklyn, his “peeps” as he called them, when they gathered to recollect the stories of their youth.  He was blessed to have made that connection to his friends in his later years.

Dominic spent time with each of his grandchildren, and shared his love for creating, traveling, and tinkering with them.  Marlena and her Grandpa created a woodworking project for school; a food truck for marshmallows.   Dominic enjoyed taking his granddaughter Cady to the craft store for project supplies, which she worked on with her grandfather.  Dominique, the name-sake to her beloved grandfather, shares her grandfather’s love for travel.  Dominic never stopped learning new skills and taught himself how to use and fix computers, a hobby he shared with his grandson, Jack.  Dominic has left an indelible impression upon his grandchildren.  They share a precious bond, and this is a source of joy.  Dominic extended his love to the many pets his grandchildren graced the family with:  Felline, Abercrombie, Buddy, Regan, Biscotti, Tess, Luna, and Ringo.  He made photo-pillows of each pet for his grandchildren using his creative digital photography and sewing skills.  There really was nothing Dominic could not do.

Dominic is predeceased by his parents, Angelina and Phillip and his six siblings: Mary, Pasquale, Ralph, Joseph, Theresa, and Louise.  Dominic also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved.

Dominic built his life around his family.  He made every decision with consideration to the impact on his family.  Dominic loved when the family came together to celebrate many happy occasions and this is what he’d want his family to carry in their hearts; not sadness but joyful memories.  He is and always will be a hero, guiding, protecting and watching over his loved ones from heaven.