Dominic A. Damicantonio

Dominic A. Damicantonio, 97, of Reedsville, passed away at 11:11 a.m., Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.      

Born June 26, 1920, in Milroy, he was a son of the late Angelo and Josephine (Berardis) Damicantonio.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: two brothers, Peter and Anthony “Tony” Damicantonio; and three sisters, Emily Palmentari, Mary Ficarra, and Theresa Damicantonio.  

Dominic is survived by:  his wife, Joyce A. (Hassinger) Damicantonio, whom he married June 30, 1948; a daughter, Linda Treaster and husband, David, of Lewistown; two grandchildren, Gregory Treaster and wife, Stephanie, of Lewistown, and Cathy Daubert, of Milroy; and three great-grandchildren, Emily and Noah Treaster, and Amanda Daubert.

Dominic attended Milroy High School and began working part-time as a cobbler until he was drafted in 1942.

He was a World War II veteran who served in both European and Pacific Theatres and was the first man in Mifflin County to be drafted into the Navy.  After basic training, he completed Fleet Sound School in Key West, Fla. where he was selected to train as a Sonarman.  He crossed the Atlantic Ocean 18 times.  He was later stationed on the Pacific Coast and was sent to Panama, Hawaii and California, where the United States was preparing to invade Japan.  While enroute to Japan, the atomic bombs were dropped and Dominic believed the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki saved his life.        

He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, Lewistown.

Dominic owned and operated the Milroy Shoe Shop for 40 years.  Although he retired in 1982, the shop remained with family.  He enjoyed interacting with people and the lively and spirited conversations that took place. 

Other interests included gardening, making wine, furniture making, and hunting. 

Dominic was a member of the Milroy Lions Club and the oldest living member of the Milroy Fire Company. 

He led an interesting, fulfilling life, and will be missed by his family and friends.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 6, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Woodlawn, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown.

A Mass of Christian Burial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 7, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 106 N. Dorcas St., Lewistown, with Father Jayaseelan Amalanthan officiating.

Interment will take place in Juniata Memorial Park, with military honors provided by VFW Post 7011, Lewistown.

Memorial contributions in Dominic’s name may be made to: Sacred Heart School, or Sacred Heart Church, Attn: Parish Office, 9 N. Brown St., Lewistown, PA 17044.      

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