Michael “Mingie” Dominic Domico, 91, of Upland CA, entered into rest on February 22, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was born on January 16, 1923 in Monongah, West Virginia to Quintiliano and Elizabeth Domico. He was the third of twelve siblings.
Mike grew up during the depression and developed a strong work ethic through various jobs such as a delivering ice with the North Pole Ice Company and later through summer employment with the Consolidated Mining Company in the #63 Mine.
Mike graduated from Monongah High School in 1943 and upon graduation entered into service with the US Army from 1943 to 1946. He served in WWII and spent time in England, France and Germany. He went on to attend West Virginia University on the GI Bill, graduating with a BA in Industrial Arts in 1949. Later during that same year he traveled to California with aspirations of becoming a teacher or an artist. Mike returned frequently to his hometown in West Virginia and it was there that he met, and married, Concettina (Tina) Viani in 1952. He returned to California with his new bride and began working for General Dynamics, Pomona Division, in 1956. Always a trailblazer, eight additional family members would also go on to obtain employment with General Dynamics. For the next 29 years Mike served as a Quality Control Engineer until his retirement in 1985.
Mike had a curious nature and a gentle spirit. He was always interested in the world around him. A true problem solver, he never turned down an opportunity to fix something, or create a new, improved approach to an existing situation. During his lifetime he developed many interests. Each summer he took advantage of the favorable California climate to cultivate a bountiful garden of fruits and vegetables. Mike was also a collector, with a keen eye for treasures that others often overlooked. In retirement, much pleasure was derived from scouring local stores for the best deals, often purchasing items for his family members, not for himself. Even though he was born, bred and raised a WVU Mountaineer, his lifelong dedication was to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Saturdays in the Fall were spent enjoying this pastime.
Mike’s greatest accomplishment and source of pride was the family he created with the love of his life, Tina. During their 61 years together they raised four beautiful children who have all gone on to thrive both personally and professionally. His eight grandchildren brought him tremendous joy through the years and he relished the opportunity to watch them grow. It is safe to say that the moments Mike spent with his family were his most treasured and he enjoyed the simple times with them such as Sunday dinners, backyard bocce games and playing cards.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Quintiliano and Elizabeth Domico, as well as his siblings Pete, Grace, JoAnn and Louie. He is survived by his wife Tina and their four children, Gino (Margaret) Domico of Upland CA, Mary Jaramillo of Cardiff CA, Mario (Brenda) Domico of Alta Loma CA, and David (Elise) Domico of Turlock, CA. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren Alex, Justin, Brianna, Gianni, Nico, Miranda, Marina and Nathan. Surviving siblings include Pasty Domico of Clarksville TN, Christine Lamb of La Verne CA, Nancy Thomas of Baltimore MD, Josephine Vespoint of Clarksburg WVA, Jim Domico of Upland CA, Junior Domico of Monongah WVA, and Joe Domico of Fairmont WVA.
Services will be held on Friday, February 28, 2014 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Upland CA. Rosary at 10:00 am with funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am. Internment to his final resting place will immediately follow at Bellevue Cemetery in Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.
Arrangements under the direction of Draper Mortuary, Ontario, CA.
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