Dominique Tamilio

He spent most of his young life learning to speak many languages. Italian was spoken in his home, French in the streets, and since he and his brother were hired to light furnaces in the Synagof across the street from their home, he learned Yiddihsh. It was not until he went to school that he learned English.

His parents later bought a farm, and Nick learned to take care of chickens, cows, sheep, and pigs, but he was unable to go to school. When the family moved back to the city, he went to school, but was placed in a class with younger chilldren, because he had missed so much school. In an effort to keep him in school his parents allowed him to play ice hockey on a junior Canadian team. He quit school and went to work with his father in the fur trade. On weekends he worked in his aunt's grocery store delivering groceries.

Due to his father's health problems, his parents immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Phoenix, Arizona. When Nick visited them, he decided to immigrate also. Once in Phoenix he met a nice young man, who was a recruiter, and the next thing he knew he was drafted into the Army. after basic training he was stationed in Panama where he learned Spanish.

One day in formation the Commander asked if anyone was a cook . Nick volunteered to work in the Mess Hall where he learned he had an aptitude for cooking.

He returned to Phoenix when his 3 year enlistment was over. It was at a bowling alley in Scottsdale where he met Ruth Ann Pattillo, who he married on August 3, 1963.

Although he worked in construction as a cement finisher, he still wanted to be in the military. As a result he joined the Arizona National Guard and worked in the Mess Hall. He rose up through the ranks by getting his GED and taking correspondence classes on Mess Hall Management. He finally became an E-7 and a Mass Sargeant.

Being multi-lingual he was frequently asked by commanders of other units to come run their Mess Halls whenever they had an overseas annual training assignment. He would leave early, set up the Mess Hall, and then when the unit arrived he would become part of the Commander's staff as an interpreter. This enabled him to go to Korea, Germany, Italy, Turkey, France, and Spain.

When his knees started bothering him, he retired from construction work and went to work at Papagp Park where he was responsible for maintaining military buildings. Upon retirement, he became Commander of VFW Post 720 and worked diligently to help other veterans and their families.

Nick is survived by his wife Ruth; his daughters Donna Finto, Sandra Cardillo, and Deborah White; and his grandchildren Nikki Morris; Casandra, Ashley, and Dominico Cardill; Nickolas and Ricki Hayworth; and Kelcie Tamilio.

The viewing will be held at Greer Wilson Funeral Home at 5921 West Thomas Rd. On Thursday December 20th from noon to 1:45 PM. The Patriot Guard Riders will then accompany the hearse to Resthaven Park Cemetery at 6290 West Northern Avenue. The graveside service will be conducted by both the riders and the V.F.W. State Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be sent to V.F.W. Post 720 at 4853 East Thomas Road, Phoenix AZ 85018. All donations will be put in the Relief Fund and used to help Veterans and their families.