Dominic Francese

Dominic Francese, 95, passed peacefully on November 20, 2022, at home with his daughter and son-in-law. Born the son of Italian immigrants, he learned to use his intelligence, sense of humor, and resourcefulness to overcome life’s obstacles, but never at the expense of others. Instead, he devoted his life to service as a father of five and father figure to many more.

Dominic trained to be a teacher at New Paltz Teachers College in New York before securing employment at Western Publishing Company in Poughkeepsie, where he worked as an estimator/planner until retirement. He also trained as a trombonist and played for the Hudson Valley Philharmonic for over three decades, sharing the stage with such notables as Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman and performing three times in Carnegie Hall. During his musical career, he served on the Philharmonic Board of Directors and as the orchestra’s librarian and stage manager. He considered his greatest musical achievement, however, to be his role bringing a fledgling rock band to musical maturity over seven years. Two of the five members were his own sons. Several became professional musicians. Besides music, he loved contemplating the universe and its Creator, watching Jeopardy, driving big Chryslers, and being with his family gathered around the table every night without fail and frequently using that occasion to tell a good joke. He was fond of the concept of “everything in five words or less.” A favorite five-word saying expressed his constant consideration for every person: “Listen more than you speak.”

Dominic married Victoria Sanchez, herself an immigrant of great vision, faith, and hope, in 1953. Together they fostered a love of the arts and affirmed the value of wisdom and education for their children until her passing in 1991. At the age of eighty, he married Phyllis Szanyi, and they enjoyed their golden years together until her passing in 2018.

Survivors include his children Dominic (Kim) Francese Jr., Nick (Ellen) Francese, Geney (Tim) Harvey, Linda (Chris) Falter, and Raquel (Kevin) Dowley; his grandchildren Carissa Francese (Bryan Blackburn), Mikayla (Blake) Hartin, Jenae Francese, Olivia Francese, Jonah Francese, Jesse (Caitlin) Francese, Jennifer (Manuel) Miranda, David (Sharon) Harvey, Stephen (Brianna) Harvey, Daniel (Mary) Falter, Sarah Falter, Melody Falter, Benjamin (Ashten) Falter, Matthew Dowley, Rachel Dowley Alexander (Jason); and his great-grandchildren Ander Hartin, Diego Miranda, Matthew and Abigail Harvey, and Emmanuel and Rose Falter. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marie Capozzi, and beloved wives Victoria Sanchez Francese and Phyllis Szanyi.

A memorial service is planned for January 14, 2023 at Covenant Life Church, Gaithersburg, MD.