DOMENICO , from Page 1 by his family and friends on July 4 at Samaritan Hospice in Voorhees after a yearlong battle with cancer . His obituary said , “ Everyone who knew and loved Schooner knows that he was the strongest man and he fought with all of his might , yet even Superman couldn ’ t defeat this aggressive cancer .”
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According to his obituary , Domenico was born and raised in Hammonton and was a graduate of St . Joseph High School . After high school , he went on to join his father at the Modern Clothing Factory . When the garment industry was sent overseas , he joined the town of Hammonton in 1993 as the first fire official on record , his obituary said .
Domenico later assumed the
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position of construction official when his mentor and “ partner in crime ” John Aloisio retired , his obituary said . The obituary said Domenico just recently retired from the job he loved and dedicated his time in January 2020 to enjoy time with his beloved family .
In 1981 , Domenico became a member of the Hammonton Volunteer Fire Co . No . 1 . He served many roles ranging from lieutenant , captain and chief during his 39 years in the department . Firefighting was his passion . He was an outstanding firefighter and took pride in his department . He was a great role model and mentor to those who shared his passion , his obituary said .
Fellow members of the Hammonton Volunteer Fire Department recalled Domenico ’ s service to the town as a firefighter , an officer and a chief .
“ We ’ ve been very close friends for a very long time . He was my brother more than anything . We ’ ve been through a lot with the fire department . In my 40 years in the fire department there hasn ’ t been many people more dedicated than Frank . He did a lot of self-educated , a lot of reading and a lot of learning . He kept with the times
Wednesday , July 14 , 2021 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3
Former Chief Frank ‘ Schooner ’ Domenico remembered
Frank Domenico
with the fire department , the same as he did with his work with the town . He was very instrumental in bringing us up to 2021 with equipment and the way he fought fire ,” Fire Co . No . 1 Treasurer Peter Berenato said .
Domenico was extremely dedicated to the fire department , Berenato said .
“ He was one of the best firemen . He was a great leader in that he didn ’ t ask anyone to do something he wouldn ’ t do or hadn ’ t done . He had the highest respect for his men . He always made sure no one was in a position where they would get hurt , and thankfully no one was hurt on his watch . Everyone knew how much time he put into advancing everything that we do ,” Berenato said .
Fire Co . No . 1 Lt . Michael Pullia remembered Domenico as a longtime friend and fellow firefighter .
“ We knew each other before the fire department . We both worked under Chief Emeritus Jack Donio . Schooner was a captain and I was secretary . There were a lot of laughs and good stories ,” Pullia said . Domenico was an example for other firefighters , Pullia said . “ He is the level that other firefighters should try to achieve . He had the book smarts and the hands-on ability . He would always say , ‘ When you get to a scene , take the blinders off and assess the whole scene .’ It sounds like common sense but he made sure everyone did it ,” Pullia said .
Pullia said Domenico trained many other firefighters during his long career .
“ Many of them also went on to be full-time paid firemen … He was definitely the most dedicated fireman we ’ ve had in many years ,” Pullia said .
According to his obituary , “ Schooner was larger than life and he touched so many people ’ s lives . Intimidating at first sight yet a teddy bear at heart . He would give you the shirt off his back . He was a loyal friend , a devoted husband and father but his most favorite role was grandfather . Schooner will sadly be missed by his loving and what he termed his obnoxiously loud family .”
His obituary said Domenico is predeceased by his parents Frank and Louise Domenico and brother-in-law , Edward DiMattia . Surviving are his loving wife of 34 years , Lee ( Roselli ); children , Brandon and Alyssa Critelli ( Gennaro III ) and beloved grandchildren , Gennaro IV and Francesca Critelli who were his world ; his
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