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Dominic DeSantis Obituary

DESANTIS, Dominic David

Dominic David DeSantis, age 61, passed away June 29, 2025. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Dominic also lived with his family in Massachusetts and Michigan and then made his home in Georgia. Graduating with a degree in business administration from Oglethorpe University, Dominic had a lifelong and unquenchable passion for music, sports, history, travel, and nature. An amazingly gifted musician, Dominic composed, performed and taught for over four decades. His energetic and adventurous spirit led him to travel to dozens of countries, seeking out new experiences and learning about their histories and cultures. Dominic was preceded in death by his father, Robert Rene DeSantis, and is survived by his mother Jean, brother Robert and his family, and many more family members and friends who will deeply miss his energy, his smile, and the joy he felt for life and shared with others. A mass and celebration of his life will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 3773 Chamblee Tucker Road, July 16 at 11:00, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salesians or St. Vincent De Paul.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jul. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Dominic DeSantis

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Amy Nelson

September 4, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Dominic´s passing. He played with Greg Robert every month at my restaurant for 3 years. He was incredibly talented and a ray of light. He will be missed.

Jeff Jones

August 26, 2025

I just saw this obit and I am heartbroken. I started taking guitar lessons with Dominic at P.S. Music in Snellville, GA, beginning in summer of 1985. I went to a few of his shows with his band, Awaken, around Atlanta. Loved those times. Dominic made me love classic rock. Queen, The Doors, Rush, The Eagles, all of it. May he RIP. Rock in Peace!

Thomas Bombard

August 25, 2025

Very sad to hear of Dominic's passing. I enjoyed my lessons with him, but more importantly I appreciated just hanging out with him every week. He was an amazingly kind soul and an true talent with a gift of explaining concepts usually peppered with a subtle joke. He was a friend and I will miss him.

Layne Fontes

August 12, 2025

Dominic was my teacher for several years. He was patient even when I didn´t practice for several weeks sometimes. He would always say don´t take it that serious come and enjoy. He is missed! He was a great guy

Gregory E Herlugson

August 9, 2025

My wife and are very saddened to hear of Dom's passing. We followed Allias Smith & Jones and where in awe of his talent as a artist of music. We would talk to him during breaks and always enjoy him.

Teo and Florence

August 3, 2025

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Dominic . He was holding a special place in our lives , we will surely miss his wonderful conversations about music, films, books, travels, sports, history, and his delightful sense of humor and energy. We will forever keep his smile in our hearts . Our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones . Teo and Florence

Tom Stratton

August 1, 2025

Dominic was more than a guitar teacher. He took this 80 year old man much farther into music than I ever thought possible. And, he was a friend who urged me to play with him.

Cynthia Phillips

August 1, 2025

Jean, I am so sorry to hear if Dominic´s passing! You were such a dedicated mom to him! Prayers are with you during this time!

T

July 18, 2025

The pictures here made me smile. I had to share mine. Halloween 2016. Dominic lived his life fully. He was so adventurous. I remember him telling me that coups would occur when he would visit to a country, (Sudan?). He was a kind good man...and he was so fun. He will be missed. RIP dear friend, you fought the good fight. (((hugs))))

Pete & Sharon Kelly

July 18, 2025

Very sorry to just now hear of Dominic's passing. Both my wife and I were big fans of his music and would make special note where he was playing in hopes of seeing him. Best wishes and condolences to his family.

Dudley Larus

July 16, 2025

Dom

Will miss you, my friend, playing golf, discussing pro golf, being flummoxed by the difficulties of golf, and also playing music with you and just the fun of being your friend over the years. Will keep saying your name and telling your stories.
Dud

Dudley Larus

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

I was very sorry to read about the passing of Mr. DeSantis.

As the University Librarian at Oglethorpe University, I would like to honor Mr. DeSantis with a book in the library collection in his memory. If a family member would reach out to me with a title, I will purchase it and place a memorial book plate in the front cover with his name.

You can reach me via email at [email protected].

Eli Arnold
Oglethorpe University

Chris, April, Rose

July 16, 2025

Dominic was a friend to all. Always kind, whether you practiced or not. He will be missed.

Mike Bennett

July 15, 2025

Will always remember the smile and joyous spirit! My Golf, Tennis and Travel Story buddy

William Shropshire

July 14, 2025

Dominic was a great student, a fine man, and someone who brought pleasure to all who knew him

Barb Henry

July 14, 2025

This makes me so sad. Dominic was my classmate at Oglethorpe and I was fortunate to remain in touch with him over the years. A great guy, who enjoyed sharing travel stories and playing in his band. I will miss him.

Dr Rick Watkins

July 12, 2025

Dominic was my guitar instructor for a couple of years and mentored `Geezer´, our School of Rock band, a group of 5 misfit 50 year olds trying to be rock stars. A lot of great memories with Dominic.

Dale Stephens

July 10, 2025

Memories ..... of a lifetime !!!!

Davis Stroud

July 10, 2025

Great teacher and even better person. Dominic taught me more than just how to play guitar, taught me many life values that I still cherish to this day. From helping me get out of my comfort zone and preform to career advice, he was a very inspirational man that had a lot to offer. As I continue playing guitar, it will always be in honor of an amazing coach as I wouldn´t be the musician I am today without him. RIP Dominic

Teddy Keller

July 10, 2025

Dominic was the coolest and best guitar teacher I could have ever asked for. He was amazingly talented and always willing to learn and then teach me any song I brought him. It was a joy to know him and I´ll never forget him.

Rosé Champaign

July 10, 2025

So very sorry to hear. Prayers for family and friends

James Bump

July 10, 2025

James Bump

July 10, 2025

Practice your pool game because when I die we will have pool league in the sky.... & no monkey dust;)

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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in Dominic DeSantis's name

Memorial Events
for Dominic DeSantis

Jul

16

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Holy Cross Catholic Church

3773 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, GA

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