Samuel A. Dominick Sr.
August 3rd, 1949 - February 21, 2023
On February 21, 2023 Sammy went home to be with the Lord after a brief
illness. He was the absolute best husband, father, American father to his
Japanese student, grandfather, papa, son, brother, uncle, cousin, good friend,
neighbor, mentor, leader, mechanic, and Mr. Fix-it. His walk with the Lord was
contagious. He spread the Gospel and was a shining example to those around
him.
He was born in Pomona, California on August 3, 1949 to Anthony and Virginia
Dominick. He joined his oldest sister Ellie. Soon after his brother Joe, sister
Angie, and brother Tony joined the family. They were part of a large Italian family
with most living nearby.
He attended St. Joseph's school in Pomona. As a young boy he fixed bikes,
Go-carts, lawn mowers, and just about anything else that needed some attention.
He joined the Boy scouts with his cousin Tony and good friend Danny and they
achieved the rank of Eagle together by 8th grade. During his time in scouting he
enjoyed a two week trip to the Sierra's with his father, uncle, cousin, and friends.
He attended high school at Don Bosco Technical school where he studied auto
mechanics. In his sophomore year, his father passed away suddenly. He
appreciated the time he had spent with him on the trip to the Sierra's and
discovered that life was so fragile.
After high school graduation, he joined the seminary in Newton, New Jersey.
He became Mr. Fix-it when it was discovered how valuable his skills were. He
fixed just about anything that need repairing at the school. After two years , he
made the decision to leave the seminary.
He began working for Wayne Manufacturing that became FMC Sweeper in
Pomona for ten years. He was offered a job as a machinist when a supervisor
discovered he was more talented than test driving street sweepers.
He met his bride Charlene in 1977 and in May the following year they married.
Together they raised Sam, Jr. (Jaime), Michelle (Jeff), and Matthew.
In 1979 he applied for a mechanic's position with the Foothill Fire District which
later became Rancho Cucamonga Fire District. He began his career with the fire
department and created the position since he was their first paid mechanic. He
worked with a very tight budget and kept everything running. He became a
member of the California Fire Mechanic Association and soon held many positions
on their board. He took part in developing the standards for fire mechanics in
California and began teaching at the academy every year. As the work load
increased he ran a crew of mechanics. Warren "Pops" Luttrell was hired to assist
Sam's crew and "Pops" became Sam's mentor and dear friend. Sammy inspired
his oldest son to join the fire service and his younger son into automotive repair.
He was a boy scout leader, led his two sons and later mentored his grandson
to the rank of Eagle. He mentored so many in the program and taught them so
many life skills.
He returned to college part-time and attended LaVerne University where he
earned a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration.
With all his involvement, he still found time to go on many school field trips with
the kids.
After 30 years, back surgery, two total hip replacements, he retired in 2009 at
the age of 60. He continued his involvement with the Fire Mechanics Association.
He mentored so many young mechanics to the fire service.
In retirement, he purchased his life long dream of restoring a 1963 Corvette. It
took him two years to complete. He enjoyed car shows with his Crusin Cousins
and Christ, Cars, and Coffee. After a few years, he sold it, much to the surprise of
his bride. His final purchase was a 1940 Ford.
He also restored the Richfield Cucamonga Service Station on Route 66. He
worked endless hours to create a museum with a wonderful crew of volunteers.
He traveled with his bride, cousins, and friends to Europe twice, Central
America, Caribbean, Haiti, Panama Canel, and Alaska. He loved adventure and
different cultures. He also enjoyed hiking the local mountains, Half Dome, Grand
Canyon, the Alps, and Mt. Whitney many times with his brother Joe, his two sons,
Charlene, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
The apple of his eye were his four grandchildren, Sam III, Sophia, Mariah, and
Levi. He was able to spend so much quality time teaching them skills and just
having fun. He developed a close bond with his father-in-law and they were best
buddies before he passed away at 93.
He led Bible study in his home with his wife for many years along with being a
member at The Seed Christian Fellowship with Pastor Dave Peters. He belonged
to the Band of Brothers and had breakfast on most Wednesday mornings with his
Christian brothers.
Sammy impacted so many lives and has left such a legacy.
"Well done good and faithful servant." "Maranatha"
