Obituary of Dominic M. Preite

Dominic Michael Preite, age 78, passed away on March 6, 2025, at his home in Franklinville, NJ.

He was born on January 11, 1947, in Philadelphia, PA. Dominic is survived in life by his wife Rosemary of 54 years; sons Matthew and Stephen (Emily); grandchildren Cameron and Blake; sisters Marie, Lorraine (Jim), Elaine (Bob), and Michelle (Mike); and sister-in-law Debbie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Rita, and brother John.

Dominic grew up in Manayunk, PA where he spent the early part of his life. He was the oldest of five siblings. He graduated from Roxborough H.S. in 1965 and entered the United States Air Force in December of that same year. While in the Air Force, he worked as a jet engine mechanic. He was the first mechanic to be licensed for taxiing aircraft on the runways at McGuire Air Force Base where he was stationed. Dominic was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1969 after reaching the rank of Sergeant. Following military service, Dominic married Rosemary in November 1969.

His civilian career was in the automotive industry where he worked as a car mechanic, service manager, and then auction director at Carriage Trade Auto Auction. He later worked as a salesman for engine/transmission and automotive maintenance equipment companies.

In 1977, Dominic moved his family from the Philadelphia area to South Jersey. He wanted to live in the country as he was an avid outdoorsman. He spent a lot of his free time over the years hunting and fishing with his two sons and many friends. Dominic also enjoyed entertaining, which involved singing and playing the guitar at family gatherings along with his sisters and performing at local open mics. In more recent years, Dominic loved spending time with and spoiling his two grandchildren.

Dominic retired in 2009 from the automotive industry. This was an opportunity for him to spend more time training hunting and field trial dogs, which was his passion. He trained numerous field dog champions and has been called "The Legend" by many within the local hunting/field dog community and beyond.

Relatives and friends will be received on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 9:00am until 10:30am, followed by a funeral service at 10:30am at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Avenue, Vineland. Inurnment will be held in Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery, Williamstown.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org), Ruffed Grouse Society (uplandstore.org/products/donation), or Pheasant/Quail Forever (https://pheasantsforever.org/donations).