Dominic Chit Chau

Dominic arrived in New York City from Hong Kong at age 14, with his mom Poi and sister Marian, to join his dad Check Nin. The re-united family moved to Los Angeles about 2 years later.

He studied mechanical engineering at Loyola University, where he made many life-long friends. His undergraduate years were interrupted by the Vietnam War draft, he joined the U.S. Naval Reserve during his freshman year. Basic training was tough and it delayed his graduation in 1976 by one year.

After 10 years at Pacific Bell as project manager, he founded APEX Engineering at age 37; it was his pride and joy! He retired after 24 years of hard work and much success. He was a generous and fair boss to his employees, a well respected colleague to his peers and a “preferred consultant” to his long-term clients!

Married to Karen for 44 years, Dominic was a proud dad to Stephanie and Kimberly and an even prouder "Gong Gong" to Jack (age 8) and Abigail (age 4)!

Dominic had enjoyed basketball, tennis, golf, traveling and of course eating; he loved to dress well and wear bright-colored clothes.

For over 20 years, he suffered severe back pain due to degenerate discs and had undergone numerous spinal surgeries. He had started to exhibit Parkinson’s symptoms and was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia merely 9 months ago. Having just turned 74 years old, Dominic passed away unexpectedly at Hoag Hospital on June 2, 2026, surrounded by Karen, Steph and Kim. Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar, California is Dominic’s final resting place.

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Our dearest Dominic had to leave

To be free of the his ailing body

Of a brain that used to serve him so well

But for 9 months it tortured him

Nothing helped except to hold his hands

Suddenly he is gone

Miss him but be grateful he is suffering no more

Serene and pain free, warm and clear-minded

Once again our beloved “Gong Gong”

Watching over each of us

With his love and support

Unconditional and forever