Robert J. Domiano, Sr.

Robert J. Domiano, Sr. of Worcester, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 17, 2022, after 89 years of good-natured tomfoolery. He was surrounded by his family and friends, both in life and in passing.

Robert, lovingly known as Bob (and sometimes Roy), was born on July 24, 1933 in Worcester, the son of the late Rockwood and Rose (Billi) Domiano. He graduated from the Worcester Boys Trade High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Navy where, as he frequently recalled, he enjoyed whipped cream on his strawberry shortcake (unlike in the army, where he said they didn’t have the cream). Bob began his service in 1953 and was proud to count himself among the “Tin Can Sailors” on the USS Corry. For 35 years, Bob worked for AT&T as a fiber optics technician and shameless prankster among his union hallmates in the New England Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Bob was a practical man with a silly streak. He had a jovial disposition and a magnetism that captivated friends, family, and strangers alike. Bob was an avid hunter and brought home deer, bear, turkey, and goose for the family cooking pot. With these provisions, he regaled his kin with endless tales of countryside shenanigans from his latest hunting trip. Bob was a longtime member of the 8 Point Sportsman Club in Sterling. He participated in countless Mountain Man competitions where he dressed in period and, with a feather in his hat, he regularly earned first place. Bob was well known for his ability to best competitors more than half his age… of which he boasted merrily, and often. His most recent win was just four years ago, at the ripe age of 85. With his black powder rifle he could still split a playing card at 25 yards. Bob shared his love of vegetable gardening with his children and grandchildren. He read voraciously and immersed himself in military history.  He was known for his wisdom, the tenacity of his friendship, and valor in standing up for what he believed. Among his friends were several who owed their lives to his efforts. Most especially, though, Bob loved to share a laugh.

In short, the man was a hoot.

Bob’s beloved wife of 61 years, Barbara M. (Ricardi) Domiano passed away on September 24, 2018. He is also predeceased by his son and namesake, Robert J. Domiano, Jr in 1991, as well as a sister, Doris Dodd. He is survived by two daughters, Mary Domiano, with whom he shared a home, and Donna M. Domiano and her husband, devoted son-in-law Arthur Clifford; three grandchildren (who each still believe that tootsie rolls are an exclusive army food), Steven R. Grisé and his wife Mae Ryan of the Hudson Valley, Barbara M. Grisé, a literal nomad, and Sandy Ethier of Marlborough; a pseudo-adopted son, Steven T. Grisé of Cotacachi, Ecuador; three step-grandchildren, John Clifford of Pawtucket, RI., Kate Clifford of Attleboro and Liam Clifford of Foxboro; a sister-in-law, Maryrose Feraco of Holden; two brothers-in-law, Thomas Ricardi and his wife Annette of Conway, MA, and John Ricardi and his wife Jeanne of Fort Pierce, FL; many, many nieces and nephews, including Colonel Johnny Giordano of Jefferson, with whom he bonded over their shared love of hunting, exchanging discourteous banter, and a rivalry of who could take the most humiliating candid photo.

Services for Robert will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 with departure in procession from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester to St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 am. Bob’s burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Saturday, September 24th from 9-11 am in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you wear camouflage to the services to commemorate Bob’s hunting prowess or a memorial contribution in his name can be made to: Veterans, Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA. 01605

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