Dominic Termott
Dominic Termott was born February 2, 1948 in Newark, New Jersey at the home of his late Aunt Katy (DiMarco) Failla. He was the third child of John and Sadie (DiMarco) Termott.
Dominic attended school and began his career as a Drafter in New Jersey, before giving in to the call of the West. As a young man, he was the first among his family to leave New Jersey and travel to California, starting out in the San Francisco Bay area and then settling in Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez.
While in the Bay area, Dominic worked for Alcon Surgical as the Engineering Documentation Manager, and later for Jasmine Technologies, one of the first computer technology companies in San Francisco.
His experience in these companies prepared him for his next job in Santa Barbara with McGhan Medical Company (later renamed Inamed Corporation and now a division of Allergan), where he was the first Vice-President of Administrative Services. His contribution to the success of this company was significant, and under his guidance, the company moved from operating chaos to structure, developing and implementing standard operating procedures, a comprehensive documentation system, a strategic human resource function and expanding the manufacturing facilities.
Dominic believed in giving back. He volunteered with Big Brothers, a volunteer-supported youth mentoring organization, and, also as a volunteer, taught English as a Second Language in Santa Barbara.
Dominic decided to retire from McGhan Medical at the age of 50 to pursue his dream of traveling across the United States. As a young man, he had already traveled extensively across Europe, and during that time had enjoyed experiencing Italy and Sicily, the homeland of his heritage. He was eager to also explore these United States and experience the beauty of the continent. So boldly, he sold his home and most of his belongings, put a camper on his pickup, and set out with his faithful dog as his companion to accomplish his goal. Over a period of a few years he traversed the country, satisfying his wanderlust and love of the outdoors.
Dominic loved his retired life in Santa Ynez. He accomplished his life-long goal of understanding horses becoming a proficient rider. He attended Monte Robert’s Join-Up Clinic and learned from the master how to meet and greet new horses. He was an active supporter of the Wilding Museum in Los Olivos and of the Sedgwick Reserve. Dominic’s love of nature and art led him to volunteer as a docent at the Wilding Museum. He enjoyed helping others to appreciate the work of local artists and their depictions of the local scenery and traditions in many different mediums. He’s great love of the outdoors, and especially the Redwoods, made him a strong supporter of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Dominic’s love for his Italian heritage, mostly Sicilian, was very strong. One of his favorite pastimes was cooking delicious Italian foods and sharing good meals and wine with his large circle of friends.
He was a devoted friend and family man, especially to those he had left behind in New Jersey. He went above and beyond the call of duty, actively supporting his mother, sister and niece by visiting and calling ‘back east’ almost daily to see how they were, and if they needed anything. He maintained a lifelong, strong friendship with Bobby and Billy, his best friends from high school.
Sadly, Dominic passed away on February 18, 2012 after an extraordinarily brave battle against tonsil cancer. He was preceded in death by his father, John Termott; his mother, Sadie Termott; and his brother Joe Termott. He leaves behind his sister Connie Luciano, his niece Dawn, nephews Michael and Logan, extended family members and many, many close friends.
A funeral will be held on March 17th at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood Hills (6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles) at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution “In Memory of Dominic Termott” to Serenity House/Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care. 222 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, www.vnhcsb.org. The caring staff at Serenity House were instrumental in making the last weeks of Dominic’s life comfortable and happy. His friends and family are very grateful to his doctor, Dr. Michael Kearney, and the staff at Serenity House for the loving support they showed Dominic during his final, challenging adventure.