Domenico Taormina Obituary
Domenico Taormina, 99, of Gloucester, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday afternoon, February 12, at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, after a brief illness to be reunited with his beloved wife, the late Grazia "Grace" Taormina.
Domenico was born on November 18, 1925, in Terrasini, Sicily, Italy and was the son of the late Mercurio and Ninfa (Bologna) Taormina.
In 2024, he was proudly recognized as the oldest living fisherman in Gloucester during a ceremony on Stacey Blvd. From his childhood days fishing the waters of Italy to those off the coast of Massachusetts, the ocean was his true passion. He served in the military in Italy as a young man before immigrating to Gloucester in 1971 with his family. While living in Gloucester, he worked aboard the fishing vessel St. George until 1978, when he and his brother, Pietro Taormina, launched their own venture by purchasing the Miss Sandy. He continued fishing until his retirement, cherishing every moment spent on the water alongside his brother and special nephew, Vincenzo.
After retiring, he enjoyed attending various events with his beloved wife, Grace, and spending quality time with family, grandchildren, and close friends. An avid walker, he could often be seen strolling around Gloucester, always greeting everyone with a warm smile. His love for his community was evident, he was a member of the St. Peter's Club during his fishing days. He also had a deep passion for gardening and cooking. In his earlier years, he fondly recalled gathering with his siblings to play cards and enjoy cookouts.
Above all, he treasured time spent with his family and grandchildren. Now, he will be reunited with his wife, Grace, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage before her passing three years ago.
He is survived by his beloved and dear children, Mercurio "Mike" Taormina, husband of Lucia (Brancaleone), Antonio Taormina, husband of the late Josephine (Costanzo), Peter Taormina, Finella Taormina Williams, wife of Chris Williams; grandchildren, Dominic Michael Taormina, husband of Rosa (DiVirgilio) of Beverly, Grace Marie (Taormina) White, wife of Keith White of Gloucester, Dominic Anthony Taormina, husband of Emily (Stone) Taormina of Andover, Grace Ann (Taormina) Latraverse, wife of Leo of Gloucester, Salvatore Taormina and fiance' Talia Ciaramitaro of Gloucester, Jackson and Thomas Williams of Essex; great-grandchildren, Michael White, Valentina and Alessia Taormina, Leila, Marina and Leo Latraverse and Dylan Taormina.
He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Onofrio Maggiore husband to Angie (Tocco) Maggiore of Gloucester; sister-in-law, Giuseppina (Ventimiglia) Taormina of California.
He also leaves behind several very dear and loved nieces and nephews as well as cousins in Gloucester, Italy, California and Michigan.
He was the last living sibling of eight. He was predeceased by his brothers, Pietro Taormina, (husband of Giuseppina) and Franco Taormina, late husband of Giuseppina (Ventimiglia) Taormina and by his sisters, Rosa, wife of Vito LoGrasso; Grazia, wife of Anthony Novello; Eleanora, wife of Michael D'Angelo, Giovanna, late wife of Onofrio Maggiore, Francesca, wife of Francesco DiMercurio.
Visiting hours will be held in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. His funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Ann's Church, Holy Family Parish on Saturday, February 15, at 11:30 a.m.
Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Gloucester. Family and friends are cordially invited.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Open Door Food Pantry, 28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930.
