Dominic M. Van Ness

For those who may not know me, my name is Crystal, and I have the honor of being Dominic M. Van Ness’s granddaughter. But I was more than lucky enough to call him Grandpa. Grandpa wasn’t just part of the big moments in my life, he was part of my everyday life.

I knew his routines so well that I could probably tell you what time they ate breakfast, when he went to get his lotto tickets, when he stopped at the bakery, and what he would be doing throughout the day. Those little, ordinary moments are the ones I know I will miss the most.

Grandpa was born on July 7, 1936, right here in San Antonio, Texas, to Tony and Julia Van Ness. He proudly served in the United States Navy and later worked for and retired from the United States Postal Service.

But one of the greatest things Grandpa built in his lifetime was his family. He shared his life with his beloved wife, my Nanny, Chill Van Ness. Their family included 7 kids - Andrew Galvan wife Martha, Rene Galvan wife Patsy, Leroy Galvan wife Gale, Cathy Galvan & husband Richard, Di Anna Estrada husband Roy, Dominic A. Van Ness wife Mary, and Jaki Frost husband Garry. His family continued to grow through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and family truly meant everything to him. He also shared his life with his brothers, Richard Van Ness and Jesse Van Ness. And today, we also remember the family who went before him—his parents, Tony and Julia Van Ness; his brother Tony “Buddy” Van Ness; and his sisters, Dolly Apolinar and Martha Dalmeida. Grandpa was the kind of person who knew how to enjoy the simple things in life. He loved fishing, playing pool at the Fountain Room, scratching lotto tickets, going to the bakery, listening to music, collecting records and tapes, and working with his hands. He loved making things—from leather crafts and Christmas trees made out of cans to jewelry and rosaries. And Grandpa loved to cook. Some of my favorite memories are connected to his food—his secret fish recipe, his chili, and his barbecue. Those recipes aren’t just recipes anymore. They are memories and traditions that will keep a piece of Grandpa with our family for generations. Five years ago, Grandpa survived stage 4 cancer. That alone tells you so much about the man he was. He was strong, determined, and a fighter. Those extra years were truly a gift to all of us. During those years, Grandpa made rosaries for everyone in the family. Those rosaries mean so much more to us now. They are something he made with his own two hands, something we can hold onto forever and remember his strength, his faith, and his love. Grandpa loved supporting his children and grandchildren. He came to our sporting events and recorded our games. He loved family gatherings, laughing, and telling his stories—even if some of us had already heard the story a time or two. He was determined, strong, and definitely set in his ways. If Grandpa made up his mind about something, you knew it.

But underneath all of that was a man who deeply loved his family and would do anything for them—especially my Nanny, Chill.

Grandpa, thank you for everything you have done for us.

Thank you for the stories, the food, the traditions, the laughter, the sporting events, and all those ordinary days that I now realize were anything but ordinary. Thank you for fighting five years ago and giving us more years of memories with you. And thank you for every rosary you made. Every time we hold one, we will be holding a little piece of you.

Your legacy will live on through Andrew, Rene, Leroy, Cathy, Di Anna, Dominic, Jackie, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren, and every person whose life was better because you were in it. It will live on through your recipes, your stories, the things you made with your own hands, and all the memories you gave us.

I love you, Grandpa, and I will miss you more than words can ever say. I will forever be proud and grateful to say:

That was my Grandpa, Dominic M. Van Ness.

And what a blessing it was to be his granddaughter.

Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, 515 North Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205, US, on September 9, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Services will conclude at the funeral home.