Friends, neighbors, and loved ones. It is with the utmost sadness and regret that we report that our beloved Dominic Angelo Pelino was struck by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle the night of October 18th.

Dominic was doing everything right that night. He was wearing his helmet. He had all of his protective gear on, down to the boots and gloves. He sustained critical injuries.

After four days of treatments and tests in CCU, his family had to face the reality that Dominic had no chance of ever regaining consciousness, so he was removed from life support on the night of October 22nd. Dominic passed quietly and peacefully on the morning of October 23rd. This has left everyone close to Dominic (a broad and diverse group) in a state of grief, disbelief, and shock.

Dominic was 32 years old. He was born into a large and loving family. The 8th of 11 children, Dominic spent much of his adolescence and teenage years outside in nature or on the wrestling mats. His competitive nature and team-building spirit shined through from an early age.

Dominic enlisted in the Army in his senior year of high school and completed preliminary training at Fort Benning, Georgia, on his way to being assigned to the 2/75th Ranger Regiment as an Airborne Infantryman.

It was immediately evident upon meeting him that Dominic was a special individual. He displayed a thirst for life, knowledge, and adventure that was rare, even for a Ranger! He advanced quickly in rank and soon became a leader in his unit. He led men in various combat zones and repeatedly brought his subordinates home safely to their families.

Dominic also became an avid outdoorsman. While he truly enjoyed fun times with his various friend groups, he seemed to be most happy when mountaineering (successfully reaching the summits of multiple peaks topping 14,000 feet in elevation), snowboarding, salmon fishing, or just camping with friends and family.

Dominic was always quick to learn something new and then immediately turn around and mentor any around him who might share interest in what he'd learned. Dominic was a rising tide who lifted all ships around him. We can't quite yet fully believe that he is gone.

Dominic spent his last two years working at his brother's restaurant, Pelino's Pasta. He filled every role that was needed and eventually became the most integral part of the business. As general manager for the last year, he worked hard to improve the restaurant in every aspect. While it was not easy to do, he loved the restaurant and the people he worked with, and I would like to quote Dominic in an email he sent the night before the accident:

"There is nowhere I would rather work than with my closest friends, doing something I am passionate about."

There will be various costs associated with Dominic's passing. His family is still not fully sure what all those costs might entail. What we do know is that his passing has created a void that will never be occupied again. He was 1 of 1.

Please, if you have $5.00. If you have $500.00 dollars. Allow me to personally persuade you to join us in offsetting the costs of his untimely passing. Join me in making a donation!

Anything at all is generous. Anything at all is so greatly appreciated.

Please hold the ones you love tightly. For Dom. ❤️