Dominique Joseph Tardif

Dominique Joseph Tardif Jr. affectionately known as "D.J." or "Joey," passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, due to complications from injuries sustained in a house fire. He was 79 years old.

Born in Lewiston, Maine, on April 8, 1946, Dominique was the devoted son of the late Dominique J. Tardif and Muriel Minihane Tardif. He shared a close bond with his sisters, Patricia Crowley & the late Fern Desjardin.

As a young adult, "D.J." left Maine to attend Leland Powers School of Radio, Theatre, and Television where he graduated in 1966.

He worked for WHDH-TV Boston as assistant director on a number of in-house productions including the station's Red Sox programming, and the Bozo the Clown Show. A morning shoot on Cape Ann brought him to Rockport, where he planted roots and started Bearskin Neck Leathers in 1974. He cared deeply about quality and connection and operated his business ("To the left! on Bearskin Neck") for 49 years.

"D.J." was an active member of the community. He belonged to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce for 32 years and served on the board of directors in the early 90s. A second generation Rotarian, he valued serving others and rarely missed a meeting of the Rockport Rotary Club. He sponsored youth athletic teams & donated his time during the holidays to The Salvation Army & local food pantry.

Dominique is survived by his four children, Tyla Tardif and her fiancé Jacob Kipp of Kingston New Hampshire; Nathanael Tardif and his wife Katherine Tardif of Gloucester; Sarah Tardif of Gloucester; Russell Amero and his wife Maggie Amero of Gloucester; his sister Patricia Crowley of Yarmouth Maine, and his five grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Fern Desjardin.

A mass and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.