Dominick Carl DiNucci

Dominick Carl DiNucci was born February 5^th, 1940, son of Katherine and Joe DiNucci. Dominick was a very special and loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was a man of great honor and integrity…. whose strong moral compass lead him through a life well lived and aligned with his faith. He was our Rock, Confidant, Counselor, Teacher and Friend. He held a heart that had no limits. 

He would always be the first to rejoice in others’ successes and accomplishments, while always remaining humble and grounded within his own. He was FIRST and ALWAYS a family man – husband and father in every sense of the word – all the while a successful businessman, emerging as one the most respected and talented in the wine industry – with many of those years dedicated to Valley Wine Company – playing an integral role in helping Gallo Wine become the industry leader that it is today.

And he succeeded by leading by example, with his passion and strong work ethic; always the consummate professional. He was a fearless leader, supervisor, and friend. But most importantly, as a father he was our Hero, avid Protector and Defender who would ALWAYS rise to the occasion when needed with great strength and dignity. He was always on your side and dedicated to honoring YOUR truth. And he gently provided advice without conceit in a way that could be heard and followed. 

He never put his own needs above others and would be the first one there in any crisis. He had many interests, talents and passions that many may not know about - including intricate wood working, growing plants as well as he loved sports – Never missing a blazer game (even knowing that more than likely, they were going to lose, he always rooted for the underdog). He was a man of great intelligence and wit – and if you had questions about the history of our country or wondered what the weather would be the next season… he somehow always knew. He was a wealth of knowledge. He enjoyed the simple things – he loved nature, birds and flowers; he loved serenity.

Dominick lived the verse Philippian’s 2:3:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vein conceit, but rather, in humility valuing all others above yourself”. 

He exemplified what made a good man in scripture- Always kind, never boasting, never prideful and treated others as he wanted to be treated. If he loved you – you knew it. He passionately loved his wife, children and grandson; brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and his cherished friends – and they fiercely loved him back.  

His family was his world. 

Dominick exemplified a man of great strength, courage and wisdom and lived his life on his terms. No matter what life threw at him (and it threw a lot; especially in the early years with an unspeakable loss and again most recently with the loss of the love of his life, Elaine); he responded head on with the greatest of strength and dignity and he ALWAYS persevered, AND NEVER gave up. Above all, he always remained grateful and had faith.

Dominick never missed watching the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass held every year at the Vatican in Rome; and would call reminding us to watch it and you would hear it in the background as he wished you a Merry Christmas. 

Dominick died on a very holy day Christmas Eve, 2023 as Dominick passed shortly before midnight.

It goes without saying that the world has just lost one of the very best, kindest and the most cherished.  

“Dad, you will be missed every single day; the wisdom you imparted will be held tightly forever. And most importantly you will never, ever be forgotten”. 

We end with this:

Most of us have heard that heaven is a place where the streets are paved with gold, the gates are made of pearl and the walls of precious jewels. (Revelation 21); It says in the Bible that this is certainly true – However,  “heaven will NOT be like what we imagine” – “It will be MUCH GREATER”.  

And this is what we pray for you Dad.