Domenico Vernice

Born in Corato, Italy to his parents Giuseppe and Rosa, Domenico immigrated to the United States via Ellis Island. He served his new country with valor in the United States Marine Corps, earning the rank of corporal. Following his service, Domenico worked for decades as Head Groundskeeper and Captain of Security for the Great Neck Public School District, where he was revered for his kindness, work ethic, and reliability. After thirty-one years, Domenico retired before embarking on a second career as a pharmacist’s assistant.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to anyone fortunate enough to make his acquaintance.

Above all, Domenico’s greatest joy was marrying the love of his life, his wife of sixty-nine years, Luisa (née Zaza) Vernice, around whom his world was grounded. The couple was known by many and loved by all as a rare example of overflowing, unconditional love.

Domenico was a reverent Catholic, serving as an usher at Our Lady of Mercy Church and a member of the Holy Name Society. As a young child, he was healed by Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, and remained grateful for this grace throughout his life.

A proud veteran and lifelong devotee of Padre Pio, it has brought great comfort to know he passed on Memorial Day, which, in 2026, coincided with the birthday of Padre Pio.

He is survived by his beloved wife Luisa, his children Joseph (Silvana), Rosemary (Robert), and Nicholas (RoseAnn), his grandchildren Dominick (Melissa), Nicole (Connor), Daniela (Greg), Alexandra (Tom), Robert, and Nicholas, his great grandchildren Alexander, Francesca, Joseph, Nico, and Francesco, and his brother, Gerard.

He will be remembered for his extraordinary goodness, his unending love for his wife and family, his infectious sense of humor, his love of animals, his fervent support of the New York Yankees, the songs he sang, and the unbridled joy he brought to all those around him all the days of his life.