Dominic Ciampaglia

On Monday, March 9, 2021, Dominic Ciampaglia, loving husband, father of two, and larger than life character, passed away at age 79. Dominic was born on February 4, 1942 in Modugno, Italy to Savino and Cesarea [nee Conte] Ciampaglia. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 11, where he dutifully assumed the role of a juvenile delinquent in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood. Pursuing a career in tonsorial arts, he graduated from beauty school in 1963. But his hairstyling career was cut short when he was drafted into the US Army in 1965 and served in Vietnam in the 661st Ordinance Company (Roadrunners) and Unit 54B20, Decon Spec. He was honorably discharged in 1967. Returning stateside, Dominic settled in Chicago’s southwest side, started a family, and perfected his expressive use of profanity (in English and Italian.) He started a new career as a confectionary engineer at Nabisco; a job he held for 38 years. After retiring in 2001, Dominic became a proud member of the VFW Clearing Post 600, where he served as Vice Commander. He is survived by his wife, Margaret [nee Vasquez] Ciampalia, and sons, Steven (Kerry Richardson) and Daniel Ciampaglia, his sister Rosa Ciampaglia, his grandchildren, Sophia, Luca, and Madelyn, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was proceeded in death by his brothers Nicola and Vittorio Ciampaglia, his sister Anna [nee Ciampaglia] Tomassini, and his canine companions Ralph and Daphne. He was affectionately known as “Minguucc” and “Uncle Guido” by those who loved him, and “Buns” by those who really loved him. His presence will be sorely missed on this planet.

A visitation in Dominic’s honor is planned for Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Mount Auburn Funeral Home (1401 S. Oak Park Ave, Stickney, IL 60402) from 11am – 1pm. Burial at Mount Auburn Memorial Park to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to the following two organizations in Dominic’s memory: St. Jude Children Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105 or https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?cID=14262&pID=24671&frequency_selected=2&sc_icid=wtg-mm-memorialcards) or The Animal Welfare League (10305 Southwest Hwy, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 or https://animalwelfareleague.com/store/product-category/donation/)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountAuburnFuneralHome.com for the Ciampaglia family.

In consideration of the safety of our guests and associates, Mount Auburn Funeral Home will adhere to the current gathering restrictions in the state of Illinois, which allow 50 or fewer guests at services. Proper social distancing must be practiced and all guests will be required to wear face masks at all times. Thank you for your cooperation.