Dominic M. Ursino

To capture the legacy of Dominic M. Ursino would take volumes; yet one word describes his life- love; Nick lived a life of love. On February 15, while surrounded by his loving family, Dominic Ursino passed into the arms of his Savior
Born in 1943 in Newark, NJ to Frank and Mary Ursino, Nick graduated Union High School and went on to pursue a degree in Psychology at Rutgers University. This is where his penchant for leadership had its genesis as Nick was elected President of the Tau Delta Phi Fraternity. Upon graduation Nick married his high school sweetheart, Carol Barba and together they began their journey of life and devotion. Nick and Carol's love was manifested in their three children, Alan, Frank and Nicole and they became the focus of his life.
Nick went on to pursue his Master's Degree in Health Sciences at the Jersey City State College, an education milestone that equipped him with the skills and knowledge to begin his journey at the Cerebral Palsy Association of Middlesex County where he proudly bore the title President for 50 years. Nick's unparalleled leadership, business acumen and expansive vision helped to transform the small, local nonprofit to a world class Agency. By providing a beacon of help and hope to the most vulnerable of our society, Nick brought light where once there was only darkness; Nick brought hope.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Nick distinguished himself as one of the foremost advocates on behalf of children and adults with disabilities. He put great value on every life and with fierce determination, Nick helped to transform the state's delivery of services for persons with disabilities. Yet as professionally driven as he was, Nick was always most content when he was in the midst of his loving family this is where Nick found his ultimate fulfillment. No one meant more to Nick than his wife, three children, five grandchildren and his great-grandson.
Because of his uncompromising standards and commitment to integrity, Dominic Ursino has been consulted by governors and Presidents on matters dealing with persons with disabilities. International delegations passed through the doors of NJID with leaders from other lands looking to replicate the services that Nick has established and which bear a hallmark of excellence.
A man of great faith, Nick helped to establish Trinity Church, Toms River where he served as President of the Board of Directors. Nick found great inspiration and encouragement in the Sundays of praise and worship that he attended with Carol by his side. After services, the family time continued with his children and grandchildren sharing the usual "Sunday Dinner" or pool side barbecues, everyone laughing together around the table. Without a doubt, Nick's greatest joy was not when he was called President but when he was called Father, Dad & Poppy. The love and devotion of his family was immutable and only deepened through the years.
Nick's children and grandchildren all share special memories, whether throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain, Kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico or catching rays in Surfside Beach vacations always centered on family, sun and good food. With the birth of his great grandson in 2020, Nick embraced the new role of great-grandfather (G-POP) with delight. Nick and Carol were beaming as they held baby Michael in their arms. They had reached a fullness of time.
Left to mourn Nick's memory is his cherished wife and lifelong sweetheart of 60 years, Carol; their loving family, son, Alan and his wife Gina and their son Dominic; son, Frank; daughter, Nicole and her husband Anthony and their children Gianna and her husband Michael, Anthony (AJ), Francesca and Gabrielle; and great grandson Michael III. Nick also is survived by his brother Vincent and his wife Priscilla.
Nick's legacy was one of courage, strength and patience. He left us with a lesson for living: the dawning of each new day is a gift; the sunset always holds the promise of tomorrow. In addition to his family, Nick will be greatly missed by all who knew him and have been touched by his compassion.
Funeral services are under the arrangement of the Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, 2482 Church Road, Toms River. Visiting will be Saturday, February 19 4:00 until 7:00 pm.
A memorial tribute is planned for Spring 2022 at the NJID Lakeview School, Roosevelt Park, Edison, NJ. Details to follow.
To celebrate Nick's spirit of generosity, contributions may be made to the Dominic Ursino Compassionate Care Fund at www.NJID.org/donate or mailed to NJID Development Office, Roosevelt Park, 10A Oak Drive, Edison, NJ 08837
To learn more about Nick's legacy, you are invited to visit: www.NJID.org/DominicUrsino
"For he will never be shaken. The righteous will be remembered forever." Psalm 112:6