Obituary
After a hard-fought battle with stage IV lung cancer, Domenico (Dominic) Abrusci of Clermont, Florida passed away quietly at the age of 77 on December 16, 2021. He shared his final breath with his loving wife and daughter at his side, who will continue to honor his legacy.
Dominic was born in Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy on March 9, 1944 to Giacomo Abrusci and Mariangela Ventura Abrusci. After graduating from seminary and serving in the Italian Calvary, he married Giovanna Maggipinto and together, they started a great adventure—a new life in America, and the joy of having a daughter, Angela.
Dominic’s family was the center of his world, and caring and providing for them was the driving force of his life. He was a faithful husband and a wonderful father. A builder by trade, he was well-known as a helpful, expert hand, assisting anyone at the drop of a hat. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed fishing, watching Westerns and wrestling matches, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Growing up in the vineyards and orchards of the family business in Italy, he developed a green thumb that remained with him throughout his life. His pride and joy was his garden, where he grew a variety of vegetables and fruits that made their way to the table, to the delight of anyone with whom he shared a meal. He had an unsurpassed strength, determination, and wit that will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Giovanna Maggipinto Abrusci; his daughter, Angela Abrusci; his two brothers, Giovanni Abrusci and Giuseppe Abrusci; two sisters, Antoinetta Davanzo and Rosa Maria Ceccarelli; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces. He was predeceased by his father, Giacomo Abrusci; mother, Mariangela Ventura Abrusci; brothers, Frank Abrusci, Eustacchio Abrusci, and Vincenzo Abrusci; nephews, Giacomo Abrusci of Florence, Italy and Giacomo Abrusci of Doral, FL.
Dominic requested to be cremated with no funeral service. The family would like to especially thank the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice for their assistance during this difficult time, as well as the many, loving family and friends who have reached out with support and memorable stories of the man who held a large presence in their lives.
I love you and miss you.
Always "your little girl" <3
My best tribute to my neighbor with his own words...
Hi Bruce
When those blue chicory flowers dry up completely, that's where you get the seeds from. More than the leaves, in the salad we use the stalks BEFORE they turn hard. Some morning, if you see my garage open, means that I am in the back yard tending to my garden. You're welcome to stop by so I can show you what I'm saying. As for making coffee out of chicory, search "roasted chicory roots to substitute coffee" or other similar words and you will find so much information to keep you occupied for a while.
The plants are not perennials. As for seeds I still have some left over, but now it's too late to plant them, Chicory like the winter. When it's hot, the chicory turns very bitter Plant the seeds around September-October. I'm still harvesting chicory to steam them or set them in salads.
We will miss you. And, the seeds you gave us; these will remind us of you every year.
Rest in Peace