Obituary of Drew Domineske

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew “Drew” D. Domineske, beloved father and cherished brother, uncle, cousin, godfather, and friend. Drew left us Friday, September 5, 2025 due to declining health. Drew was born in Cortland, NY on September 17, 1947 to Harriette D. and Paul J. Domineske. He was 12 days away from his 78th birthday. He always celebrated his half birthday on St. Patrick’s Day. A lifelong resident of Cortland, Drew lived life in a Hawaiian shirt, a paintbrush in one hand and a cold beer in the other. In addition to his family and friends, Drew loved art, culture, rock ’n’ roll, classical music, crossword puzzles, cats, and good company. Drew is survived by his beloved son, Paul A. Domineske and his husband David Caussèque of Germany; he had five sisters Toni Hall (Deceased) and her husband Sam of Cortland, NY, Valerie Domineske (Greg St. John) of France, Tina Knickerbocker (Larry) of Cortland, NY, Constance Domineske of Pepperell, MA, and Francesca Mahar (husband Jerry Deceased) of Cortland, NY; and a special cousin Bobby Domineske of Cortland, NY. Drew is also survived by nieces and nephews Mike Hall of Syracuse, NY, Julianne Shanley (Raymond) of Vienna, VA, Jason Hall of Tully, NY, Aaron Hall of San Francisco, CA, Antigone Chernago (Brian) of Gardnerville, NV, Damian Gregory of Buffalo, NY, Monica Fiorentini of Portugal and Jerrod Mahar of San Francisco, CA. Also, several great nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Harriette and Paul, his sister Toni, his aunt and uncle Justine and Robert Domineske, and his uncle Muncey William Dickinson. Drew was a proud alumnus of St. Mary’s School and Cortland High School, and later pursued his passion for art at the Butera School of Art in Boston, MA. A talented commercial artist, he owned and operated Zurich Signs and Liberty Signs. Affectionately known as “The Reverend,” Drew was the life of every party and loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends. Drew was famous for his singular sense of humor. It was often on display during life’s most intense moments—that’s when Drew would unexpectedly drop a joke, get the room laughing, and make the situation that much better. A Celebration of Drew’s Life will take place on Thursday October 9th, 4-7pm at Ivan’s Bar and Grill, 206 South Main Street, Cortland, NY. Guests are encouraged to wear a Hawaiian Shirt. Calling hours will be at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc. on Friday October 10th from 5 to 7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SNAP, 17 Salisbury St. Cortland, NY (an organization for the betterment of cats) or a charity of your choice. Drew made a lasting impression on everyone who met him. It is in those memories that this talented, quick-witted man will live on. In the words of Frank Sinatra : “I did it my way.” To offer online condolences, please visit www.wright-beard.com