Dominic Gervasi

Dominic was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Catherine Barbuto and Ralph Gervasi on December 11th, 1952. Shortly after his birth they moved to Ishpeming. Dominic attended St. John’s School through the eighth grade, having served as an altar boy along with his brother, Bruno. He graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1971 and was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1972 through 1974, very proudly receiving the National Defense Service Medal for sharp shooting.

Dominic was joined in marriage to Nancy Jacobson on November 9th, 1974. They raised a daughter, Cathy and remained married until her untimely death in 1988. Dominic began working with his dad and brother, cooking, and serving out of the white food truck in downtown Ishpeming. Next, he worked selling both cudighis and pizzas in the family shop on Pearl Street in Ishpeming until 1972. In 1974, after returning from the army, he resumed working with the family at Ralphs Deli on Lake Street in Ishpeming. The family then bought the 41 Steak House and named it “The Club Roma” where Dominic helped run the restaurant until 1979. The current Ralphs Deli on US41 in Ishpeming was opened in 1986 and Dominic and Bruno eventually took over the business as their own.

On June 19th, 1993, Dominic married the love of his life, Mary. Together they raised his daughter and Mary’s children and made a beautiful life together. Dominic was very proud of his Italian heritage and was a member of the St. Rocco and St. Anthony society as well as a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. He was also member of the Commemorative Bucks and U.P. Whitetails.

Dom’s hobbies included hunting, especially turkey hunting, fishing, and hunting for wild mushrooms. He was an avid classic car fan and owned a ’67 Impala SS. He also enjoyed trips to the casino and spending time at his camp in Michigamme. The most important thing in Dom’s life was his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife Mary, Daughter Cathy (John) Tornberg of St Clair, Michigan. Stepsons Nathan (Jennifer) Trudgeon of Peoria, Arizona, Adam O’Brien of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, grandchildren Meghan and Jake Tornberg, Bekah, Tia and Ean Trudgeon. Kayla (Tyler) Grooters. Samuel and Tyler Kutchie and Cade Krueger. Great – grandchildren; Ella Rose Grooters and most recently Cassie Jo Grooters whom he never got to meet. Brother, Bruno Gervasi, Sisters, Lisa Roberts and Mary Epperson all of Ishpeming and Cathy (Rolf) Lindberg of Issaquah, WA. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Dominic was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Nancy Gervasi, Nancy’s little brother Peter Jacobson and Dominic’s brother-in-law Larry Roberts.