Dominick Salvatore Rotundo

Dominick Salvatore Rotundo

Dominick Salvatore Rotundo

BERNE — Dominick (Nick) Salvatore Rotundo of Berne was a carpenter who helped build Crossgates Mall, a musician who performed at nightclubs and weddings, and a gardener who shared his bounty with family and friends.

He died peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, at the home of his daughter following a short illness. He was 72.

Dominick was born in Schenectady on April 23, 1943 to Italian immigrant parents, Constantine and Santina Rotundo. He was the youngest of five children with three loving sisters and a brother. He and his first wife, Lorraine, had three children together, David, Diane, and Dayna.

He and his wife, Joyce, were married for the past 13 years, their marriage ending only with his death. They liked living in Berne where they enjoyed backyard gatherings with neighbors, friends, and family.

“They loved the beauty of the area and being outdoors. Despite his weakened condition, Dom would always muster up a smile when he knew Joyce was there with him,” his family wrote in a tribute. “She was a loving wife and spent hours at his bedside.”

Mr. Rotundo was self-taught in many areas, including carpentry, furniture making, woodworking, and small-engine repair. He owned and operated “Rotundo's Small Engine Repair” in Schenectady in the 1980s. As a carpenter, he worked on many big projects, including Crossgates Mall. For the past 15 years, he has been employed by Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth as a secure detention maintenance worker where he used his acquired skills in a variety of ways.

He was also a musician, playing the drums in the band "Mickey," performing at local nightclubs and weddings during the 1970s and ’80s.

Mr. Rotundo had many interests and hobbies. He was a sportsman with rifle and rod.

He loved animals. Throughout his life, he had many dogs and he eventually owned two horses, a goat, a few birds, and cats. He enjoyed bird watching in his own yard where he kept and maintained a variety of bird feeders.

“His passion was for his vegetable garden where he enjoyed spending his spare time,” his family wrote. “Growing and harvesting vegetables brought him much pleasure. He canned his fresh-grown vegetables and tomatoes, which he enjoyed throughout the year.

“He was known for his homegrown garlic and at times planted several hundred heads. He was generous with his bounty, sharing it with friends and family. Cooking was another favorite pastime and he spent much time in the kitchen, cooking mostly Italian foods.

“Dom loved his ‘man toys,’ including his Kubota tractor, which he affectionately named Kelly; his John Deere riding mower; and his Chevy pickup truck,” his family wrote. “He was a true and dedicated fan of the New England Patriots.”

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Dominick (Nick) Salvatore Rotundo is survived by his wife, Joyce Rotundo; his children, David Rotundo, Diane Selin and her husband, Eric, and Dayna Rotundo; his grandchildren, Joshua Rotundo, Erica Bowman and her husband, Jarom, Kevin Selin and his wife, Amy, Colin Selin and his wife, Amber, Stephanie Selin, Anthony Papa, Nicholas Papa, and Marlo Mazzarelli; and his great-grandchildren, Brandon Rotundo, Fae and Silas Bowman, and Kira Selin.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 52 Blue Barns Road in Rexford, New York at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jack’s Place, a home for families of hospitalized and rehabilitating patients, at: Jack’s Place, care of Jack Falvo Jr., 6452 Vosburgh Rd., Altamont, NY 12009.

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