John J Domenico

John J. Domenico passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at the age of 97 at Northern Lights Medical Center in Ellsworth, ME, with his wife, Elaine, and son-in-law, Bernard, by his side. He was born in Boston on March 10, 1928, to the late Carmen and Rose (Vitale) Domenico. He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years, Barbara L. Connolly; his sister, Althea R. Paige (Emil) of Marblehead; and his brother, Carmen S. Domenico (Theresa) of Winthrop.

Mr. Domenico was a loving uncle to the late John L. Paige, Althea Bertrand (Steve) of Falmouth, Robert Domenico (Sharon) of East Boston, and Donna Boutin of Winthrop, as well as to all their children. He is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine (Everbeck) Foley Domenico; their family, Michelle Foley-Bellamy and Bernard Bellamy Jr. of Bass Harbor, ME; Robert J. Foley (Dawn) of Mesa, AZ; and Brian J. Foley of Phoenix, AZ. Papa John will be greatly missed by his loving grandchildren, Ryan Foley-Bellamy, Annie Foley, Rob Foley, Kayla Gould, and Kiara Foley-Bellamy.

Mr. Domenico was a dear friend to the Benson family, including the late Kay and Harry Benson; Ruth, his cherished goddaughter, of Plymouth; Russ Morrison of Plymouth; Trina Benson; Harry W. Benson of Winthrop; and the late Claire Mayer of South Dennis. He was like a second father to many, particularly loving his special bond with Howie Conley of Saugus and Ted Conley of Winthrop. His cherished friends in Winthrop, including the tennis community, teaching associates, classmates, and former students, held a special place in his heart.

Though he was born in Boston, Mr. Domenico spent most of his 97 years in Winthrop. He attended Winthrop High School in the early 1940s, graduating in 1945 as Class Vice President and receiving the Bentley Swift Memorial Cup for Athletic Achievement and Good Citizenship. He went on to attend Northeastern University and played varsity baseball as a freshman (1945-46). His military service included two years in the U.S. Navy (1946-48) at Camp Bainbridge, MD, and Newport, RI, where he played baseball on the station team as well as for a semi-pro team in Newport. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1948.

After leaving the Navy, he re-enrolled at Northeastern University, continued to play varsity baseball, and spent summers playing with the Winthrop Varsity Club (1948-50). He attended the University of Maine for his junior year but was ineligible for baseball due to the NCAA transfer rule; however, he played varsity tennis for two years and graduated in 1952. Mr. Domenico taught English at Presque Isle High School for half a year before beginning a 34-year career with the Winthrop Public Schools. He served as an English and Physical Education teacher at Winthrop Junior High School (1952-54), an English teacher and varsity baseball coach at Winthrop High School (1954-61), assistant principal of Winthrop High School for nine years (1961-70), and principal of Winthrop High School for 16 years (1970-86).

He was Past Exalted Ruler (PER) of the Winthrop Lodge of Elks #1078 (1966-67) and an Honorary Life Member for 73 years (1952-2025). He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Sons of Italy, as well as a past president of the Rotary Club of Winthrop, MA. He received the Jaycees Man of the Year award in 1978. One of his prized accomplishments was being a founding member of the Winthrop High School Athletic Hall of Fame (1996), his induction into the hall (2006), and serving as Past President until 2022.

For many years, Mr. Domenico was integral to Winthrop youth sports through the Winthrop Park and Recreation Departments, the Saint John's Boys Club, and as a tennis and baseball coach. He was an accomplished tennis player, and he enjoyed the sport well into his 90s. He received many tributes during his life and greatly appreciated the kindness and recognition from the Town of Winthrop.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation at the Caggiano Funeral Home, 147 Winthrop St., Winthrop, MA 02152, on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. The funeral will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral mass at St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop, at 11:30 AM. Services will conclude with military honors in the Cross Street section of Winthrop Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Domenico's memory to the Athletic Hall of Fame:

Winthrop High School Hall of Fame

P.O. Box 520343

Winthrop, MA 02152