I was born in Queens, NY in 1932. My parents immigrated to the USA from Italy a few years before I was born. My father had family who also came over, but my mother’s family remained.
As I completed my high school years at Bishop Loughlin in Brooklyn, I felt called to the life of helping students to learn as a Christian Brother. I was ready to join. However, my father told me that the family was taking an extended trip back to Italy (the first since they moved here). In his broken English, he told me, “If you don’t go, none of us will go.” Of course, I went.
Those were wonderful months, but when I returned, the calling was still just as strong. My parents were not in favor of this, but as my brother had just been drafted, my mother decided this might be safer. I am happy to say that they eventually warmed up and in fact became quite proud of my life and my being a part of God’s work.
I am so blessed to have been able to play a small part in shaping the lives of so many students in such a variety of ministries through the years: teaching grade schoolers, high school students, and boys in the Juniorate who were considering becoming a Brother. Even in my retirement, I am enjoying the opportunity to help students one-on-one as I tutor Spanish at Saint Peter’s Boys High School in Staten Island.
Life in Community with my fellow Brothers, and the daily prayer we share, have also helped me over the years to more clearly understand God’s will for my life.
I am grateful to God for my seventy-year journey as a Brother of the Christian Schools.
Dear Dominic, You have always been a shining star wherever you were assigned to work with the kids. Thanks you for your wonderful example of teaching you in the way of truth. You’ve saved many a soul along the way. Don’t stop now.
Hi Aurelian. Thank you for your kind words. I’ll try to keep spreading the good news. Hope your priestly ministry continues to spread the gospel message…. Going back in time, do you know whatever happened to Joe Samuelson from Sacred Heart Parish? I believe he was in your Barrytown group. I taught him in the 8th grade and was his sponsor at robe taking. Have a blessed Christmas. Dom
Brother Domenic-Don’t know if you remember me, but I was in your home room class in my freshman year. That was 1966. I was pleased to see this highlight. You encouraged us to see The Graduate, which I did along with some friends. I remember you well. You were a great part of the Brother’s who taught there years ago. I have a 16 year old son who is a sophomore there now. I’ve had a chance tor relive a little of my early years through his experiences there. What a great school.
Hi Gary. So good t to hear from you. 1966 was my second year at CBA, Lincroft. I was the homeroom moderator for Room 5 and probably taught you Religion. Wow, what a memory you have – that I encouraged you to see the movie, the Graduate. And you saw it with some friends. So glad that your 16 year old son is a sophomore at CBA and you’ve had a chance to relive your early years through his experiences. In June, 2022, I expect to be transferred to CBA. Hopefully, our paths will cross during you son’s junior year. If possible, why not drop over to the Brothers house to say hello. Blessings and Mrry Chritmas1
Brother Dominic, I am always thankful that you saw me as someone to hire to start the art program at Saint Joseph’s collegiate Institute. I loved my years teaching there. I’ve now been retired for years but have very fond memories of my time at Saint Joe’s. I am also very thankful that the brothers, like you, shared your vision With Lay teachers like me.
Hi Catherine. I remember very well how accepting you were of the lighting conditions in the basement of the Brothers house and how architect Ed Egan provided straub lights and easels and desks for the art class. You made the most of the situation, just one window in the basement room. Later on, your art class was awarded the large space of the school cafeteria. So glad your experience of teaching at St. Joe’s was a very good one. The Brothers and I were only to happy to share the La Sallian Mission with you and the lay teachers. Continue to enjoy your retirement. With Dag Hammarsjold, former President of the Untied Nations Assembly, we can say: “For what was, yes. For what is, yes. And for what will be, yes.” If I remember correctly, I believe you told me years ago that your brother was a St. Joe’s graduate. Catherine, have a nice Christmas. Blessings. Brother Dominic
Brother Dominic
You are looking well, it is great to see you.
Stay well and enjoy your holidays.
With fond memories of QPHS years.
Love
Fred & Virginia Romano
I always considered you a model of the professional Brother. You exhibited calm in chaos, order in learning, humanity in dealing with all kind of students. Your ‘persona’ was always of concerned business. Your personal relationships were based on devotion and your example was admired by many.
70 years! Wonderful. I check the Brothers website from time to time and was warmed to see your post. We lived in community together in Buffalo in 1980! My first year teaching. Your kindness and encouragement that year is especially remembered to this day. (Also, our shared Italian sensibilities) along with Joe Radice and Gerry Conforti. So grateful for that year and your support. It sent me on a 39 year career in education with a LaSallian spirit to help guide my work. Now retired, with a grateful heart to you and the Brothers. Thank you!
Hi Brother Dominic,
I spoke to you on the phone and in FaceBook. My twin Pat and I were in the 1st class you taught. It was 1957 and I was in the 5th grade. To this day, I believe you are the best teacher I’ve ever had!