Domenick Novello was born in the Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York, in 1927 to parents Archangelo and Mary. He was the oldest child in a traditional Italian household and had two siblings, the late Alfred and Philomena. During his childhood, Domenick developed his lifelong love of sports and fitness. A natural athlete, he was an avid baseball player, boxer and especially runner. He starred on the track team at Newtown High School, where he won medals competing at Madison Square Garden. After high school, he enlisted in the US Army and served his country proudly in the aftermath of World War II. He was stationed in Germany and served with the US Constabulary. He never forgot the time he met General Dwight D. Eisenhower, saw the blue of his eyes and realized he was part of something historic. Aside from raising his family, his time in the Army was one of his proudest accomplishments. Domenick received his honorable discharge in July 1947 and settled back into civilian life. Through his best friend Robert Angrisani, he met the love of his life, Maria. They quickly became inseparable. The pair often told others that they fell in love over a Scrabble board and their bond only grew stronger over time. In 61 years of happy marriage, they never ran out of things to talk about and Maria never stopped laughing at his jokes. With his military service behind him, Domenick made his career in the US Postal Service, enjoying the peace and solitude of his route while walking miles every day.

He eventually retired at age 61 and moved to Long Island to be closer to his children and enjoy some well- earned peace and quiet there. Retirement gave Domenick plenty of time to enjoy his budding family – which by then included grandchildren – and stay busy with his many hobbies. He was a golfer and spent many hours on the course, working on his swing and breaking the occasional club. He also loved to root on his favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees, and watch horse racing with his friends. A history and geography buff, Domenick put together an impressive collection of military memorabilia, including a map that marked every place he visited in Europe. He was a big reader and even toyed with the idea of writing a book. As any family member or friend knows, Domenick also had an ear for music. He loved singing old Italian classics and anything by Jerry Vale. He was a self-taught harmonica and accordion player who wasn’t above playing an impromptu song when the mood struck, especially when he had an audience at family parties. Though a homebody by nature, Domenick and Maria also traveled the US with their close friends, her younger sister Cindy and her husband Jerry. Their cross-country road trips were packed with cherished memories and trips to famous landmarks – from Montana and Mount Rushmore to New Orleans and Mackinac Island and many places in between. He was always quick to crack a joke or a smile and was a constant source of humor, calm and comfort for his loved ones. He was a kind soul who made his family feel safe. Domenick passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on April 19, 2024. We will miss him forever, but his memory will never fade and we will carry him with us always. Domenick is survived by his wife, Maria and children Laura (Richard) Barrabi and John (Frances) Novello, as well as six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was the beloved father of the late Daniel and the late Michael.