Ralph N. Domanico

Ralph Nicholas Domanico, 87, resident of Lakeland Estates in Lake Barrington since 1977 until he and his wife Dixie moved to assisted living, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2024, in Highland Park Hospital after a long debilitating illness. Ralph was born July 26, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois. He worked in the family business, Ascot Prime Meats, in Mount Prospect, Deerfield, and Lake Zurich until he retired in 2006. He was an active member of Transfiguration Church in Wauconda, Illinois, where he and Dixie taught CCD classes for many years. They also served the Church as lay ministers until Ralph’s health issues prevented them from taking such an active role. Ralph was the beloved husband of Dixie, née Rudolph; loving father of Debra Kern (Tom), Ralph, Michael, and Denise; cherished grandfather of Andrew Kern, Rebecca Kern, Natalie Thirtle, Jackson Thirtle, Daniel Thirtle, and Madelyn Thirtle; son of the late Charles and Anna, and son-in-law of the late Eugene and Julia Rudolph; preceded in death by his dear siblings, John (Jeanette), Rose Iniguez (Joseph), Jean DeMichael (Fred), Raymond (Arlene); and his brother-in-law Michael (Penelope); survived by brother Charles (Beverly) and brother-in-law Eugene (Sharon) Rudolph; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Ralph was a devout Catholic and devoted family man. In spite of his own failing health, he spent the later years of his life as primary caregiver for his wife of 69 years, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. He was a fabulous story teller who entertained his listeners with tales of his early exploits, his travel adventures and funny family stories, often as he narrated his home movies. He loved cars, took much pleasure in his home, nature, and animals, and was a great whistler and singer. He loved food, holidays, and family celebrations. He will be dearly missed by his entire family and his circle of friends. A visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 25, 2024 at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave. in Libertyville, IL. Entombment will follow to St. Michael Cemetery in Palatine. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

Ralph N. Domanico

July 26, 1937 - November 19, 2024