Ed Dominico played a big role behind the scenes for sports organization
A FRIEND TO SPORTS: Ed Dominico, left, played a big role in the Leaside baseball community. His son, Ron, seen here with his dad, played baseball in the 1970s and eventually played pro for Little Falls Mets.
Leaside’s baseball community is mourning the loss of a valuable volunteer to its organization.
Edward Dominico, 81, died Jan. 17 at St. John’s Rehab Hospital. He had been battling Parkinson’s Disease.
For Howard Birnie, the entire Dominico family played a big role in baseball, especially the soft-spoken Ed.
“I don’t think I’ve ever known people who supported their kids any more than those two did,” Birnie said. “He was a very quiet guy. He spoke so low, I always had trouble hearing him.”
Dominico’s sons, Dan, Steve and Ron were all involved. Ron played professional baseball for the New York Mets farm team Little Falls, New York during the 1980s. Dan has been head coach for Northern Secondary School’s football team, and Steve is a teacher at Canada’s Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont.
A contractor, Ed would help with small repair jobs at Talbot Park, and also manned the snack bar. He lost his wife, Lillian, in 2008, but she would always contribute to the senior baseball team, son Ron managed
“His wife was just so generous,” Birnie said. “She’d always bringing stuff: candies or cookies. Giving the guys on the senior team and me stuff.”
Dominico was also an accomplished ballroom dancer.
He is survived by his three sons, Dan and wife Kathy, Steve, as well as Ron and his wife, Peggy.
Burial services were held Jan. 22 at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family members asked donations be made Parkinson’s Society Canada.