Dominic James Giovannazzo, Ph.D. Obituary (1924

On October 19, 2013, Dominic James Giovannazzo, 89, departed this life to be with the Lord and his beloved wife Audrey. Dominic was born on February 3, 1924, in Colp, Illinois. The family moved to Detroit, MI and then to Elyria in 1929. In his early years, he worked at his family's restaurant, The Blue Sky Inn, on East Bridge Street, in Elyria. During his senior year of high school, Dominic quit school the day after Pearl Harbor to enlist in the U.S. Navy and served aboard U.S.S. Palmer. He returned to Elyria and graduated from Elyria High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University and was a proud member of Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity. He married Audrey Wilson on November 27, 1948 in St. Mary Church; Dominic and Audrey had six children. Dominic managed the family restaurant for several years and also owned and operated Traicoff & Giovannazzo Motor Sales. He earned a Masters of Science Degree in School Administration and a Doctorate degree in Special Education, from Akron University. He was employed in the Midview School District, Cleveland State University, Bloomsburg State University (PA), Moorhead State University (MN) and College of Mount St. Joseph (Cincinnatti). While at the College of Mount St. Joseph, Dominic served as a professor and chairman of the Department of education. Additionally, he developed, implemented and directed the curriculum for the first graduate program in education at the Mount. Throughout his career Dominic published numerous papers for special education and learning disabilities. He retired from the academic arena in 1988 and returned to Elyria in 1992. Dominic was a passionate fan of The Ohio State University football program and was a season ticket holder since 1953. He enjoyed gardening, golfing, pheasant hunting and reading Western novels by Louis Lamour. He was active with Boy Scout Troop 133, St. Jude Church. He loved cooking and cherished passing on his Italian recipes with family and was "known" for his sauce and meatballs. Dominic was a member of St. Mary Parish, Elyria; the Knights of Columbus #774, the American Legion Post #12, Senior Fellowship Club, Italian American Veterans Post #1; Lorain and The Ohio State University Alumni Association. He was formerly a member of St. Jude Parish. Dominic is preceded in death by his parents: Anthony and Maria (nee Anastasio), wife: Audrey J. (nee Wilson), baby girl Giovannazzo, brothers: Joseph and Frank Jiovanazzo and sister: Catherine Gentile, and a grandchild: baby boy Giovannazzo. Dominic is survived by sons: John "Jack" (Mary Ann), Daniel (Roberta), David (Shawna); daughters: Linda Laux and Mary Jo (Terry) Tonderys; grandchildren: Dominic, Frances "Francee", Vincent, Lauren, Brian, Elliot, Amanda and Teddy Giovannazzo, John Dominic Tonderys and Michael and Stephanie Laux and Julie (Laux) Hornbeek; six great- grandchildren; brother: James Jiovanazzo; and many nieces and nephews. The Giovannazzo family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2150 Broadway, Lorain (440) 244-1961 on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. Closing prayers will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 9:10 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at St. Mary Church, 320 Middle Avenue, Elyria, Rev. Charles T. Diedrick, Pastor, officiating. Christian burial services will be held at St. Mary Cemetery in Elyria, OH with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Church, 320 Middle Avenue, Elyria, OH 44035 or Elyria Catholic Endowment Fund, 725 Gulf Rd, Elyria, OH 44035. Online condolences may be sent using www.rsgfuneralhome.com.