Dominique Nicole Carragino

Dominique Nicole Carragino was born on October 15, 1992 in Norfolk, VA. We lost her way too young, when she was only 33. She passed in Virginia Beach on January 12, 2026. She is survived by her entire family--grandparents (Rex B. Fitch Jr. and Lynnette Fitch), parents (Joe Carragino III and Dawn Fitch Carragino), sister and brother-in-law (Gabrielle and Tyler Benham), brother and step-mom (Joe Carragino IV and Tulin Carragino), aunts , uncles, cousins, nieces and nephew).

Dominique was a brilliant light from the very beginning. A bright child who excelled in her studies, she balanced her academic success with a natural athleticism. Starting at age seven, she became a force to be reckoned with on the soccer field, often the best player out there, eventually traveling the country with her team. Despite being scouted for college athletics, she chose to focus on her intellectual pursuits, attending Old Dominion University.

Her childhood was defined by the simple joys of Avalon Terrace: riding bikes through the neighborhood and spending endless days with her sister and schoolmates. Some of her fondest memories were anchored at her grandparents' pool, where she, her sister, and her cousins staged relay races and spent afternoons tucked away with popcorn, lemonade and Disney VHS tapes. They also loved going to Duck, NC, on family vacations to the Outer Banks every summer.

Dominique possessed a rare, protective grace. She had a unique gift for connecting with younger children, making them feel safe, cherished, and doubling over with laughter. She instinctively used her strength to shield those who could not protect themselves.

Her work ethic was unmatched, a trait she carried from her days at Finn McCool’s to her career at Hobby Lobby. Starting in the framing department, her meticulous craftsmanship earned her a loyal following of "regulars" who treated her like family. Her sharp attention to detail led to a swift promotion to Assistant Manager, yet she always balanced her hard work with a legendary sense of humor. Dominique was, quite simply, the funniest person in any room she entered.

An artist in every sense of the word, there was nothing Dominique couldn’t create. Whether she was painting, singing, dancing, or working with resin and home decor, her creativity was boundless. She found immense joy in "thrifting and gifting," always arriving with a thoughtful treasure for her mom, sister, nieces and nephew.

She had an intense love for all animals, but her heart belonged deeply to her two boxers, Trina and RZA. She adored being their Mom, providing them with a life of such love and devotion that they lived like royalty.

The final years of Dominique’s life were filled with the simple, beautiful routines she shared with her longtime boyfriend, Steve. Her days off were a cherished ritual: an iced coffee from Dunkin’, a trip to the thrift store, and a visit to her sister’s house to spoil her nieces and nephew. On Sundays, she could be found leading the kids on hikes, with her brother-in-law tagging along when he was lucky.

Every holiday was spent at the family table, where Dominique was the center of laughter and style. Her outfits were unmatched—always regal, always red-carpet ready.

Dominique loved her family and friends fiercely. She leaves behind a family who adores her beyond measure and who will carry her laughter and her protective spirit in their hearts forever.

Celebration of Life activities for Dominique will take place on Wednesday, January 21. The viewing will take place at the chapel of Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home from 12-2pm. There will be a service in the chapel starting at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dominique’s memory may be made to her sister, Gabrielle Benham.