Obituary of Dominick J. Pace

Dominick J. Pace of Cortland passed away Tuesday morning, January 20th, at the Cortland Regional Medical Center. Dominick was born December, 1920 in Cortland, one of three sons, of the late Marco and Adeline Spaziani Pace. As a young man, he worked at the Triangle Shoe Store, and then worked alongside his brothers and parents at Dom's Grill, a family owned restaurant. He proudly served with the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman (MP). He was responsible for the transporting of prisoners of war throughout the United States; Pine Camp in New York, Fort Worth, Texas and Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. After his service, he returned to Cortland to join is family in business at Dom's Grill. He continued working there with his parents and brothers, forming lasting friendships with his patrons, many of them SUNY Cortland students. He and his brother, Ethan were recognized at the 50th reunion of the class of 1959. In 1966, the business grew and the family expanded to create the well-known and respected Pace's Restaurant. In 1979, Pace's Restaurant was sold to the B.P.O.E; the Elks Lodge 748. After his retirement he continued to work for many years at Fiorentini Jeweler's, for his cousin and dear friend, Lou Fiorentini and at the Coliseum alongside his wife Betty, for his son, Keith. After a short stint in Florida, Dom and Betty returned home to family and friends. Dom was a member of the VFW and the Elks Club. An avid sports fan, he formed a lifelong love of the New York Yankees. He enjoyed golf, bowling, tennis, photography (he was never without a camera) and playing cards. The Cortland Senior Center provided hours of enjoyment, good company and good food. (He couldn't pass up a good doggie bag!) Family and friends were a very important part of his life. He cherished the time he was able to spend with them and share his stories about his Italian heritage and the bean picking days of his youth. He is survived by four generations of family that include his daughters, Kaaren Pierce and Christine Carter; his sons, Marc (Ellen), Dominic "Nick"(Karen), and Keith (Suzette); daughter-in-law, Shelby O'Connell; sister-in-law, Lena Pace; grandchildren, Sandra Phillips (Matthew), Andrew Pierce (Kari), Brian O'Connell (Nancy), Denise O'Connell (Brent), Justin Higgins, Jared Pace, Steven Pace(Sarah),Kimberly Core (Leighton): Blake, Dominique, Benjamin and Delaney Pace, and Justin and Chelsea Carter. Also, his great-grandchildren Tyler, Allegra, Ryan, Kyle, Kelcie, Abby, Skylar, Hunter, Jared, Cobi, Neve, Kian, Peyton, Taylor and Ryan and a great-great grandson, Brody and a great-great niece and nephew. He was predeceased by his wife, Bettyann in 2005, son, Gregory O'Connell, granddaughter, Rebecca Bombard, brothers Ethan and Anthony Pace, sister-in-law Nancy Pace and son-in-law, William Pierce. The family will receive friends at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland from 9:30 to 12:30 Saturday, January 24. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. . . . Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery immediately following the service. Memorial contributions in Dominick's name may be directed to his favorite charity, Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202. The family would like to extend special recognition to the Dryden V.A. especially Dr. Garber and his staff, Dr. Davidenko, Cortland Regional Medical Center and the nursing staff of 3 South and the Intensive Care Unit. To offer online condolences, please visit www.wright-beard.com