Obituary of Dominick Freni

Dominick J Freni passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 10, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on May 19, 1947 in Manhattan to James and Pasqualina DiFranco Freni who have predeceased him. He was a graduate of Holy Trinity School, Arlington High School and Dutchess Community College, where he earned an Associate’s degree in Electronics. Dominick was first and foremost a family man dedicating his life to providing for them. He loved his family and had a wonderful and enduring sense of humor. He volunteered much of his time to his children’s activities over the years, including serving as Cub master for Pack 123 and assisting with coaching for both soccer and baseball teams. Dominick was a Vietnam veteran and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. Dominick was passionate about music. He played lead guitar with several local bands over the years including “The Sportsmen,” “The Music Box,” “The Velvet Touch,” and “Celebration.” In 1964 and 1965 “The Sportsmen” had the privilege of playing at the World’s Fair in New York City. He also taught guitar lessons both at home and at the former Poughkeepsie Music Studio. Dom enjoyed listening and playing all types of music in addition to playing the mandolin for his family. Dominick also enjoyed the company of his “grand pugs,” Mojo & Roxy. Dominick was employed by IBM Corporation in both Poughkeepsie and Burlington, Vermont. He was a loyal and dedicated employee for nearly thirty nine years. He held various administrative, technical and management positions. Dominick was married to Anne Schiavi on August 22, 1970. He is survived by his loving wife and his two children, James Freni and his fiancé Holley Pomarico of Hyde Park, NY. His daughter, Carolyn, and her husband Michael Jandrew of Wappingers Falls, NY. He is also survived by a brother, Vincent and his wife, Toni, and his nephew Kevin & his wife Dana Conners, of Hyde Park. Also surviving are two brothers- in- law, Frank Schiavi of Tampa, Florida and Jack Schiavi of Orlando, Florida. He also leaves behind an uncle, three aunts, several cousins and many life-long friends who always welcomed him warmly as part of their family. Dom will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a member of Local 238/291, The American Federation of Musicians and also a member of The Italian Center. He was a Communicant of St. Martin de Porres Church where he served as an usher at Sunday Mass. Our family wishes to thank all the friends who took the time to prepare meals, phone, visit, and help us in any way they could. We would especially like to thank Hospice of Dutchess County and their exceptional, caring, and compassionate staff. Calling hours will be from 4:00-8:00pm Sunday, June 14, at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home Inc., 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2009, at St. Martin de Porres Church, Cedar Valley Road, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, New York. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Dutchess County, 374 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, N.Y. or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 381105.