Mr. Dominick A. "Dom" Chizzonite, 89, a lifelong Little Falls resident, (West Monroe Street), most recently residing in Schenectady, went home to be with the Lord on Monday evening, Sept. 18, 2006. His passing occurred in St. Claire's Hospital, Schenectady. Dom was born on August 4, 1917 son of the late Maria (Raco) and Anthony Chizzonite and attended Little Falls schools graduating from Little Falls High School. After attending Whitney Aviation Engine School and even though our country was amidst conflict he made the choice to serve his country with the United States Army (Air Corps.), heroically serving for over five years. His enlistment was recorded on November 20, 1939. During his military career he served in the Southwest Pacific Theater and was decorated for bravery with the American Defense Medal with Bronze Star and the American Service Medal. On September 19, 1945 he was honorably discharged holding the rank of Master Sergeant. On January 1, 1944, he was joined in marriage with the former Sue Lamanna. Dominick and Sue cherished the life they shared and loved each other with a unique and special devotion. He honored this marriage with security and true companionship. He began his working career with the Remington Arms Company, Ilion, and was last employed with Little Falls Hospital in the maintenance department. Dom was a man who embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He was a gracious and kind man with a compassionate heart, a sensitive spirit, and a charming and outgoing personality. He possessed a highly personal and unique sense of humor and will be remembered by all who knew him for frequent funny comments and witty remarks. All those whom he chose to call his friends were fortunate to receive the great respect, affection, and loyalty he felt. The most important force and inspiration in Dom's life was his love for his own family and friends. He along with his wife together dedicated themselves to tending to their home and providing their children with a happy and secure home life. Dom's grandchildren were the light and joy of his life. He enjoyed sharing with his family the proud Italian traditions that were passed down to him from his own parents. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, gardening, and woodworking. He was a wonderful cook always preparing special dishes for his family to enjoy. Always a community minded man he served on the Little Falls School Board, Little Falls Zoning Board and was a member of the DeCarlo Staffo Post. Dom was a devoted communicant of Holy Family Parish, Little Falls. He leaves his beloved wife of 62 years: Sue of Schenectady; three beloved children: Barbara Hoke of Schenectady and her husband Ira Charles, Richard Chizzonite and wife Lynna of Kent, Ct., and Jan Chizzonite and wife Kathi of Fairfax, Va.; six adored grandchildren: Jason Hoke and wife Gina, Daryn Hoke, Joshua Chizzonite and wife Jeanne, Lucas Chizzonite, Cristopher Chizzonite, and Sunnie Mae Chizzonite; his cherished great grandchildren: Alexandra Hoke, Mathias Dominick Hoke, and Dominick "Nico" Haines Chizzonite; inlaws who were very close to Dom: Lucy Cunningham and Charles Lamanna and wife Ann; several nieces, nephews, cousins, any many friends. Dom's relatives that preceded him in death were his sister: Sara Santillo, his brothers: Louis and Rocco Chizzonite, his in-laws: Anthony Santillo, Josephine Chizzonite, Agnes Chizzonite, Dominick and Louis Ciletti, Samuel and Angela DePiazza, and William "Bill" Cunningham. Relatives and friends may pay their respects at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls, on Thursday, September 21, 2006 from 5-8 p.m. Dom's funeral will commence at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, from the Enea Family Funeral Home where Sister Marilyn Hayes will offer prayer, thence to Holy Family Parish, Little Falls, where the Rev. Alfred Lamanna, Pastor Emeritus, will celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. Funeral procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer, where he will be laid to rest. The United States Air Corps will offer full military honors. Because of Dom's love of his church and in honoring his life, kindly consider memorial donations to the Holy Family Parish Memorial Fund; donations may be made at the funeral home and envelopes may be obtained there. Members of the Decarlo Staffo Post will gather at the funeral home at 6 p.m. on Thursday to conduct their service. The family would like to thank the many relatives and friends who offered many kind acts during Dom's illness. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.