×

A Fantastic Family

Daniel, Joseph, Carl and Timothy Dominick are the third generation to operate Jamestown Roofing Company. Submitted photo

Editor’s Note: The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is commemorating its 40th anniversary this year. This week’s story was inspired by gifts to the Carl A. Dominick, Jamestown Roofing Fund.

When Sam and Ann Dominick moved to Jamestown in 1952, they had no idea the legacy they would help create.

With their three children, Carl, Carol and Josephine, in tow, Sam purchased Jamestown Roofing Inc., and was determined to create a successful business, and life, for his young family.

As the children grew up watching their parents work together, only Carl showed an interest in one day joining the family business.

After graduating from Jamestown High School, Carl enlisted in the United States Army. It was during his service that his father unexpectedly passed away at the age of 46.

Volunteers at St. Susan Center prepare lunches. Submitted photo

“I never had the chance to meet (Sam),” said Mary Dominick, Carl’s wife. “But Carl told many stories of his hard work and dedication to community.”

In addition to working long hours, Sam freely gave of his time to the Marco Polo Club, Jamestown Knights of Columbus and St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.

Without hesitation, Ann continued to operate the business on her own and give back to her community through their church.

After completing his service, Carl attended Jamestown Community College and went on to earn a degree from the University of Michigan in electrical engineering.

In 1965, newly married and with a son on the way, Carl and Mary moved back to Jamestown and, like his parents before him, worked closely with Ann to support their business.

Over the years, Carl and Mary’s family grew to include three more sons who spent time after school and over holiday breaks working at Jamestown Roofing to earn money for college.

In 2012, at the age of 96, Ann passed away and left the entire company in Carl’s care.

Carl continued to work long hours, and like his father, served his community through his church.

Although all four of Carl and Mary’s sons followed different paths, they all led back to Jamestown Roofing Company where they still are involved today.

“Carl always hoped one of our boys would come back and work (for the business),” Mary said. “It was quite the surprise when all four of them did.”

In 2015, Carl lost his battle with cancer with his family by his side.

The next year, Mary approached the Community Foundation with an idea to create a fund that would continue to support the community that has supported their family for three generations.

The Carl A. Dominick, Jamestown Roofing Fund provides annual financial support to the Community Foundation’s Fund for the Region, as well as, St. Susan Center.

“I think (Carl) would have loved the Fund for the Region because it takes care of needs today, and into the future,” Mary said. “And we have been very hands on with St. Susan’s over the years and understand how important what they do is.”

For Jeff Smith, St. Susan Center executive director, it’s because of people like the Dominicks that allow them to serve the people of our community.

“We are so appreciative of the Dominick family for thinking of St. Susan Center,” Smith said. “Having a fund like this to support our brothers and sisters in need is extremely important to what we do every day and we are grateful to have their support.”

ı ı ı

For 40 years, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation has worked together with its inspiring donors, selfless volunteers and grateful community organizations to share their stories for enriching the quality of life for all who live here.

A gift to the Foundation adds another chapter in our community’s unending story. Learn more at crcfonline.org.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today