Dominic Versage

Dominic Versage, 84, of Ithaca, NY, passed away at his home on July 15th, 2025.

Dominic Americo Versage was born on September 28th, 1940, in Penn Yan, New York, the first of four children born to Rocco Leonard Versage and Anna Josephine Versage (née Massucci). He graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1958 and in 1960 earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in electrical technology at the Mohawk Valley Technological Institute in Utica, NY. After graduating, he began working as an electronic technician at Cornell University’s Nuclear Reactor laboratory.

In 1963, Dominic joined the newly formed Peace Corps, deciding immediately to join the organization the first time he heard of it. He was assigned to serve in Colombia, based in Pradera, a town in the state on Valle del Cauca, where he taught community development, including engaging in agricultural work and helping build schools and housing, for two years. During his stay, he worked closely with local politician José Azarías Agudelo, who introduced Dominic to his family, including Dominic’s future wife, María Inés. Dominic and Inés married in Pradera on April 10th, 1965, after the completion of his Peace Corps service.

The following month, the newlyweds moved to Ithaca, where Dominic resumed his career at Cornell University. He would remain with the university until his retirement in 2006. Initially, he continued his work as an electronic technician, later becoming the Radiation Safety Officer in the university’s Environmental Health Department, and eventually Radiation Safety Specialist in The Department of Environment, Health and Safety.

Dominic began assuming leadership roles at the university early in his career. He was elected secretary-treasurer of the Cornell Technical Employees Association in 1967, president of the Cornell University Employee Association in 1968, and as an employee member of the Cornell University Senate in 1971. From 1983 to 1985, he served as an employee-elected representative to Cornell's Board of Trustees and in 1991 received the George Peter Award for Dedicated Service.

Additionally, he was among the founding members of the Cornell Recreation Club, and both Inés and he were instrumental in the founding of the Cornell Colombian Students Association, with Dominic serving as the group’s faculty advisor for many years. Outside of Cornell, he held various administrative positions with the Ithaca Council 277 of The Knights of Columbus and with Local 132 of the American Federation of Musicians, to which he was elected president in 1973.

Dominic’s lifelong passion was for music, and particularly for the accordion. He began playing at age 9, one of the many caught up in the sensation caused by Dick Contino’s appearances on the Horace Heidt talent contest throughout 1948. Dominic performed extensively for both school and extracurricular events throughout his teen years. Upon moving to Ithaca in 1965, he established himself as a professional musician locally and regionally, forming The Dominic Versage Trio in the 1970s. He was particularly proud of his 27-year Friday night residency at Centini’s Coddington Restaurant from 1982 until the restaurant’s closing. His dedication to his instrument extended to transporting his Petosa AM-1100 accordion personally to the Petosa Accordions factory in Seattle for repairs, leading to a lifelong friendship with the Petosa family. He continued playing professionally into his 80s, including at The Royal Court Restaurant, Oak Hill Manor, and on Seneca Lake cruises.

In retirement, Dominic and Inés devoted more time to travel, taking extended trips to Brazil, Colombia, East Asia, and Europe, most notably Italy. Locally, Dominic was also an active member of City Club of Ithaca and The Savage Club of Ithaca. He continued his connection with Cornell through his involvement with the Cornell Retirees Association, serving as Vice President in 2017. In addition, he continued playing the accordion—his summer practice sessions on the front porch being well-known throughout the neighborhood—and continued a teaching schedule until his death.

Dominic was preceded in death by his parents Rocco Leonard Versage and Anna Josephine Versage; his wife of 59 years María Inés Agudelo Murillo de Versage; and sister-in law Mary Agudelo de Hernández. He is survived by his children Cristina Versage, Ramón Versage, and Andrés [Rosa Figueroa-Versage] Versage; granddaughters Isabella Versage and Elena Versage; sisters Dorothy [William] Dinehart, Rosemary [Thomas] Sisson, and Ann [Robert] Allerton; brothers-in-law Wilmer [Gloria] Agudelo, Jair Agudelo; and sister-in-law Dignora de Jesus [Arturo] Agudelo de Mejía; in addition to several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial celebration for Dominic on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Bangs Funeral Home. The memorial will also be livestreamed at https://www.bangsfuneralhome.com/.

Preceding this celebration, Mass intentions for Dominic will be offered at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Ithaca at 11:30.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dominic’s name to the Peace Corps Colombia Country Fund at https://www.peacecorps.gov/donate/country-funds/colombia-country-fund-514-cfd/

All are encouraged to share memories, thoughts, and photos at Dominic’s online tribute page at https://www.bangsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/domini-versage