Obituary: John Dominick Jr., 76, Of Norwalk

Information via Collins Funeral Home

John Dominick, Jr, age 76, of Norwalk, beloved husband of 53 years to Kathleen Marsan Dominick, passed away peacefully Wednesday July 27, 2022, at Regional Hospice of Danbury surrounded by his loving family.

Born May 13, 1946, in Norwalk, CT, he was the son of the late John Dominick Sr and the late Myrtle Keeler Mazzara. His early years were spent with his grandmother and his extended family who were a very important part of his life. He was drafted in 1967 and spent two years in the US Army while stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. After marrying and wanting more security in his life, he made the decision in 1970 to become a firefighter where he served the City of Norwalk until his retirement in 2001.

He wanted so much more and knowing what he was capable of, he quickly went on to become a fire marshal, then an inspector, a lieutenant and ultimately a captain where he spent most of his years leading and mentoring so many young firefighters. An amazing storyteller with the best sense of humor, he loved his brothers on the department. They became family and, as was his nature, he wanted to make sure they were taken care of.

From 1977-1994 he served as the President of the International Association of Firefighters Local 830 Union where he fought for the safety and security of his fellow firefighters. He spent many hours traveling, negotiating, attending arbitrations, and on the phone to help his brothers get what was needed and deserved.

In 1969, he met the love of his life and five months later without a doubt in their minds and hearts, they married on July 5, 1969. They went on to build a beautiful life together, raising their daughters and creating their lifelong home. The most important thing in John’s life was his family and this home was an open door. All were welcome whether it be for a drop-in cup of coffee or a much longer stay for a loved one to help them with a transition in life or to help them get back on their feet.

He was a kind and gentle man who loved his children and grandchildren immensely. He was so proud of all that his daughters accomplished in life, the husbands they chose, and the beautiful children they went on to have. You could always find him at one of his daughters’ sporting events and it was no different in his retirement. He and Kathy would hop in the car to catch a game whether here in Connecticut or up to Massachusetts to watch their grandchildren play.

John’s sense of humor is what will be missed the most. He could have a room in tears like no other and because of it, he had so many friends and acquaintances. He checked in regularly on all of them because he genuinely cared about the people he was close to. His early morning texts on each and every holiday will be missed by the masses.

He was a generous man who never gave up on people. If you needed advice, a referral, or some assistance figuring out life’s path, he was your man. John was the type of person that always showed up. He was a peacemaker who lived his life with strong values, values he encouraged his family and friends to live by. If you do the right thing, you’ll have no regrets.

John was a creature of habit. You always knew where you could find him, what he’d be wearing, where you were headed to eat, or where you were headed on that planned trip.

He loved helping others and was a member of St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Knights of Columbus, South Norwalk Boat Club, he was a former board member of Norwalk Mariners Girls’ Softball Team. He was a volunteer for the Special Olympics and Salvation Army.

In addition to his loving wife, Kathy, he will be sadly missed byhis daughters Pam Carlson (Craig) of New Milford, CT; Jennifer Bayliss (Jarrett) of Williamstown, MA; Kelly Dominick (former spouse, Sandy Bocuzzo) of Wilton, CT; and Kristen Passarelli (Rick) of Norwalk; his grandchildren, Megan Garrapy (Colby), Matthew Carlson (Ashley), Jameson and Maisie Bayliss, Dino and Gianna Bocuzzo, Frankie and Lucia Passarelli, and his five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Mae Penders of Jupiter, FL, and Denise Fretina (Joe) of Norwalk and his brothers, Jamie Mazzara of Somers Point, NJ, and Mark Mazzara (Tracy) of Fords, NJ, and many cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by both of his parents and his son, John.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Regional Hospice in Danbury, who made his last day so peaceful and beautiful, or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a post 9/11 organization he believed strongly in, would be appreciated.