Dominic J. Patania, 98 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Medilodge of Monroe.
Born April 30, 1927 in Monroe, Dominic was the son of the late Sebastiano and Vincenzina (Sole) Patania. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Church and attended Lincoln and St. Joseph Elementary School. He attended Monroe High School with the graduating class of 1946.
Dominic served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Army from 1946 to 1948. For his heroism he received the WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal, Japan. He was classified as an Expert Rifleman.
On June 11, 1955, Dominic married his beloved wife, the former Louise M. Ruman at St. Mary Catholic Church in Monroe.
Dominic co-owned and operated Frenchtown Market, which became Frenchtown Party Store, from January 1, 1951 until his retirement in 1978. Prior to buying the store he worked for Packers Outlet and Detroit Stoker.
A devout Catholic Christian man, Dominic was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where he sang in the Resurrection Choir. He was devoted to the Blessed Mother and attended daily Mass at the IHM. A true prayer giant, he prayed daily for family and friends along with his daily recitation of the Rosary.
Dominic was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Comboni Missionary Men's Club, and the VFW Post 1138. While at Lincoln Elementary, he learned how to play the clarinet and went on to play in the Monroe High School Marching Band and in the Monroe City Band. He volunteered for both the St. Joseph and MCOP Food Closets. He and Louise enjoyed traveling, they traveled to Washington D.C. where they visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and John F. Kennedy's grave. Some of their other favorite destinations were South Dakota, Colorado, Boston, and Florida, to name a few. For over 40 years, the family traveled to Gun Lake for their family vacation.
Dominic enjoyed planting a garden every year, he always left the weeding of the garden to Louise. He was also a wonderful cook and was known as the Sausage Man to his family and friends, as his Italian sausage was a favorite to all. He also prepared his own special recipe for olives. Most of all Dominic enjoyed time spent with family.
Dominic is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Louise, three loving sons: James S. (Andrea) Patania of Lambertville, Gary D. (Roseanne) Patania of Monroe, and Thomas J. (Kimberly) Patania of Monroe, five cherished grandchildren: Timothy, Michelle, Bethany (John) Jakubowski, Danielle, and Allen, a cherished great-grandson, Jameson Jakubowski, with another on the way, four siblings: August Patania of Monroe, Sebastian "Charlie" (Mary Ann) Patania of Phoenix, AZ, Annie Loughridge of Monroe, Vicky (Mike) Nietering of Monroe, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dominic was preceded in death by two sisters: Mamie and Sister Maria Pia of the Poor Clares, two brothers: Augustino and Joseph, two sisters-in-law: Bessie Patania and Joanne Patania, and brother-in-law Jerry Loughridge.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 1 – 7 pm, Rosary 6:00 pm at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. Monroe, Michigan, 48161. On Thursday, October 30, 2025 he will lie in state at St. Mary Catholic Church from 10:00 am, where Mass of the Resurrection celebrating Dominic's life will begin at 11:00 am. Fr. Michael Anagbogu will be the celebrant and Deacon Michael Stewart will be the Homilist. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors.
Memorial contributions are suggested to The Monastery of Poor Clares, 3501 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland, OH, 44111 or a charity of the donor's choosing.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .