Concettina "Tina" Domico

Concettina “Tina” Domico entered into rest on November 28, 2023 at the age of 94. She was born on October 21, 1929, in Civitanova Del Sannio, Molise, Italy, and lived there throughout her childhood. These formative years were difficult and turbulent as she lived through the Great Depression and World War II. Early in her life, her father traveled to the United States and remained there, working in the coal mines of West Virginia to provide for the family. These experiences molded Tina into the strong and brave woman she became.

Tina came to the United States with her mother and sister in 1951, to reunite with her father and start a new life. They endured a journey of over one month on a ship across the Atlantic and eventually arrived in New York. Settling in Fairmont, West Virginia, she became a US citizen later that same year. Upon arrival in the US, she knew very little English. Tina was always observant, intelligent and persistent. She and her sister, Pina, committed themselves to learning the English language through the local adult school in Fairmont. Throughout her life she made a habit of reading and jotting down notes to comprehend her new world.

In Fairmont, Tina met and married Michael Domico in 1952. Over their 61 years of marriage, they built a beautiful family of three sons and a daughter. They spent many years in Pomona, CA, before moving to Upland, CA in 2001. Tina was a force of efficiency, both caring for the home and raising her four children to become the productive individuals they are today. She made everything look easy, creating feasts from items grown in their home garden. At our most recent Thanksgiving gathering, we talked with her about how she made these holiday meals entirely on her own, sometimes including Mike’s eleven siblings and their families! Living through The Depression taught her the skills needed to use every resource available. She could have easily taught a masterclass on reducing waste and stretching a dollar.

Once her children were older, Tina worked for Pomona Unified School District at Simons Junior High School. Her culinary skills in the kitchen were undoubtedly a treat for the many children she fed through her 15 years in this role. Upon retirement, she and Mike spent time with family, and her eight grandchildren were a source of joy. She loved every moment she could spend with them. When any of her grandchildren visited she instantly lit up, and they brought life to the room.

Tina was exceptionally bright, and she didn’t miss a single detail. She loved games and played cards until just a few days before her passing. For many years, she and Mike were members of the Sons of Columbus Club in their community, and through this club they made countless lifelong friends. In her later years she found enjoyment visiting the casino with friends and family.

Mike’s passing in 2014 took away Tina’s greatest comfort, love and companion. True to her resilient nature, she worked to move through her grief and “get stronger” as she would often say. Over time she did, however, Mike was never far from her heart and she reminisced about him often.

Tina’s life and spirit cannot be summed up in a few brief paragraphs, and those who were lucky enough to know her will readily agree. She made friends with ease and had a natural ability to connect with others. She had keen instincts, and when there was good to be found, she saw it in those around her. Her warmth and compassion came through in abundance. She was feisty, fun, and perhaps a bit stubborn at times. But this is what made her such an intriguing person. Steadfast in her beliefs, she was never a pushover. In a world where people chase the norm, Tina was unique and true to herself each day. It is not an exaggeration to say that we will never meet another like her in this lifetime. We are grateful for the time we had together and will hold on to the memories of a grand life that was well lived.

Tina was preceded in death by her parents, Nicolas and Michelina Viani, her husband Michael Domico, her sisters Giuseppina Pillillo and Eutima Di Tomaso, as well as many other treasured family and friends. She is survived by her four children Gino Domico (Margaret) of Beaumont, CA, Mary Jaramillo of Leucadia, CA, Mario Domico (Brenda) of Big Bear, CA and David Domico (Elise) of Turlock, CA as well as her eight grandchildren.

Services will take place on Monday, December 18th at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Upland, CA. A viewing will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a slideshow at 10:15 am, rosary at 10:30 am and full mass at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation at https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/?form=donate or to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.