I never had the privilege of knowing Dominic, nor ever got to meet him. But I’ve collected several comments made out Dom from people who were able to meet and/or know him. Most of these came from a memorial set up by La Quinta High School web site, and they are all used with permission. Only one of these has been submitted to me personally.
Here is the one that was submitted to me by Kevin Stea, who worked with Dom in “New World” and in Newsies, as well as other projects.
….and i would LOVE to say some stuff about dominic....he was the first dancer i ever met and the first to ever be nice to me... he helped me through some REALLY hard times, emotionally and financially, i was a mess back then ... he was so funny, and always positive... we won star search together, and were in a singing group together before and during newsies...
Kevin Stea
This was submitted to me from Sapphire Eyes when she got to meet David Sidoni.
And when [David Sidoni] saw Dom on the DVD cover, he said how he was his best friend, and was one of the most down-to-earth, big family guy, and very talented man he's ever met. He talked about how he toured with Michael Jackson before he became a "freak!"
The following were posted on the memorial site at the La Quinta High School website.
I was a big fan of Dominic's when he was on Roundhouse on Nickelodeon and also when he was in Newsies. I will never forget the impact he left on my life and am currently working on some fanfiction using music to remember him. http://www.fanfiction.net/~mousetrap/
Mousetrap
3/26/2004
we are sorry to hear that you died. you will be missed..
2/4/2003
Dominic was a shining light on and off the dance floor. His loss is truly felt.
Tracy Smith
8/22/2002
I am so sad to hear about the loss of Dominic. I deeply regret not being able to send him or his family words of comfort during his suffering, and I hope sharing these few memories I have of him might bring a smile to the many who must miss him still. I met Dominic at James Irvine Junior High. We were in the Drama club together where the highlight of that club was to go and see a taping of The Facts of Life Show. We loved that trip. I also served on the student council with him where we planned dances and activities together. I counted him as one of my friends. We often went to the same exciting Junior High parties and he thankfully hung out with me in the non-smoking, non-drinking section. Once we were walking home from school together. As we were talking, he lagged a few steps behind me. Then I heard a very loud 'BANG'. When I looked back, the stop sign was shaking and vibrating, and Dominic was moaning and holding his head- like he had been casually walking down the street, and accidently hit his head on the sign. I couldn't figure out how that could've happened since the sign stood about 6 feet high , and Dominic was a bit shorter than me at 5'2'. As I approached him to see if he was alright, he stood up, laughing, and said, ' Gotcha'. He was always kind enough not to reject me if I asked him to dance. I knew if a great song was playing, and I felt the need to party on the dance floor, he would always oblige me. Dominic is the subject of one of my childhood stories that I tell my children- While attending an evening dance at Irvine, Dominic asked me to dance to the song,' I Never Knew Love Like This Before.' by Stephanie Mills. As we took the dance floor, Dominic lead me in a slow dance. Well, that move proved to be very controversial on our parts because the rest of the dancers were dancing fast to that song. I asked Dominic if we should dance fast instead, but he said, ' Trust me, this one is a slow song.' My friends approached me after we danced and asked me, 'Aren't you embarrassed that you both were dancing the wrong way?' I wondered who was right ? It's funny what a crisis 7th and 8th graders can create over something so small. I moved away to Los Angeles for High School, and lost touch with all of my Orange County friends. Years passed, and when I saw Dominic winning on Star Search, Dancing in videos, and helping out Michael Jackson, I knew the answer to that Junior High dilemma.... Dominic had the moves, and he was right. Thanks for the chance to remember a sweet friend. Love, Amy Crooks Huffaker
Amy Crooks Huffaker
5/4/2002
Dominic, we had so many great times, Dance, Drama, Zaca Lake and the box of M&M's. I can not wait to see you again in heaven, you are such a wonderful person and I will never forget the great times we had and how many laughs we shared. I remember when I lived in Washington and I got home late from work one night and you were on the news because they were interviewing you for being a back up singer for Michael Jackson, that was the last time I saw your beautiful smile. I will forever miss you and be thankful that you touched my life in such a beautiful way!!!
Shari Miller
8/6/2001
Dominic was always the kindest person to me. He was always there with a nice friendly smile. I miss him!!
Joy Gerber
1/4/2001
Dominic probably would not have remembered me well if at all, but I remember the talent and potential he had, and the fact that he was a nice and caring person.
Sean Bryant
10/24/2000
If you knew Dom at any time, even for a short while, and would like to contribute what you thought of him, feel free to contact me with what you’d like to say and I will post it here. You can also read more or post a word or two here. If you are a fan but did not get the chance to meet him and would still like to say something, please click here to submit your own words that will be sent to his mother, Lupe.
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