Dominick Fridella, 79, of Tampa, passed away peacefully at Baldomero Lopez Memorial Veterans Nursing Home, Jan. 22, 2016. He suffered a stroke 3 years ago, which left him paralyzed and unable to take care of himself.
He was born in the Bronx New York and lived in New Jersey for many years, before retiring to Tampa, Florida where he lived with his loving wife Olga for 20 years. He served in the US Air Force for four years during the Korean conflict and later pursued a Masters degree in chemistry. He practiced Organic Chemistry for the rest of his career, focusing in new process development. He developed multiple patents including a detergent which helped start Ajax.
Dominick was an overcomer. Before the stroke robbed him of his independence, he enjoyed reading, golfing and acting. He took on learning French and participated in many classes at USF, he learned to take the bus to the University as well as to the school for the blind where he learned to make things with his hands.
He didn’t have children, however, he was like a father to his nieces and nephew who he helped migrate to the United States. He is survived by Olga, his devoted wife of 45 years. Dominick joined his parents Frank and Mary in heaven and siblings Pat, Michael, Leo and Louise. He is survived by his brother Cosmo and his sister Connie, along with nieces and nephews Michael, Christina, Gina, Lenny, Susan, Doreen, Kathleen, Judy, Steve, Franklin, Janine, Julie, Lisbe, Tere, Dario, Sandra and Regina.
Visitation will take place from 10 -11 am, followed by a funeral mass at 11 am on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at the Incarnation Catholic Church, 5124 Gateway Drive, Tampa, FL 33615 (on the corner of Webb Rd and Hillsborough Ave).
