Plans are taking shape for a memorial service for Ron Domini, the longtime Wisconsin AFSCME political director who passed away Monday night at Madison Hospice. This is excerpted from an email from Domini's daughter. Jamie, who said it was OK to share publicly:
What an amazing three weeks we have had being with my father as he courageously made his way from this life.
Time and Place: We will be gathering at Holy Wisdom Monastery on Friday, November 20th. We will have a "visitation" from 12-2pm (he has been cremated). This is a great time for hugs and well wishes for us too.
The service will begin at 2pm (Click here for directions) I would advise coming early. The grounds are beautiful too so you might enjoy a walk. Ron would love that.
Parking: Parking will be something of an issue so PLEASE carpool as much as you can. We will have a back up plan in place but I'm not quite sure what it is at the moment.
Speakers, music, readers, ushers: We'd like to know in advance if there are those among you who feel strongly that you would like to participate in Ron's service. Please let us know by SUNDAY. We are making programs then. We are looking for some level of structure to surround his memorial, but want to leave space as well for people to speak impromptu - never fear you procrastinators (myself included).
Potluck: There will be minimal catering from FoodFight Inc. Those of you who would like are encouraged to bring food or drinks to share. We will also need volunteer angels to come early to help set up and deal with food etc. Just to take charge and make decisions. We will need people to stay and help clean up too. IF you want to help with that let me know. Thank you, thank you.
AA/GA/Alanon Open Meeting: There will be an open meeting for those in twelve step programs who would like to participate following the service.
(Nov. 20) Friday Night - Benefit Concert: (Funk Out Cancer. This part is a true gift... We were wracking our brains trying to figure out how to have a party - because that seems like something our dad would have REALLY wanted us to do... and along comes an email from a former colleague who plays in an amazing band called Phat Function. They, along with Mama Digdowns Brass Band and Mark Croft are playing a concert to benefit the UW Cancer Research Center. This is where my dad was treated and it feels SO PERFECT!!! It is at the Majestic (off the capitol square) at 8pm. Tickets are $20. We would like to purchase a block of tickets so that we are sure to have them. PLEASE let us know if you want a ticket RIGHT AWAY by going to this website http://www.doodle.com/sd9ssxbn9dty4f2x so we know how many to get. The website keeps a tally and guest list for us. You are also welcome to purchase tickets on your own and/or purchase them at the door the day of for $25.
Gifts: There have been so many gifts already. You have made such a difference in our lives. Please spread the word to others that in lieu of flowers we hope people will consider making a contribution to Hospice, they were an absolute Godsend during this process: every single human being should have access to this in their final days; or to another organization that "fights the good fight" in his name. That might include Holy Wisdom as they are leading the charge for peace and social justice here in Madison.
Caring Bridge: For those of you who have not been included in previous e-mails please go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/rondomini, enter a password of your choosing. There you will find the details of his life and passing, We encourage you to sign his guest book if you have not already. We LOVE the stories.
This has been a long email, we thank you for you perseverance. If YOU need hugs or just to talk please feel free to stop by the house, give a call or shout out in what ever way - as we need all these things too.
Here's the official obituary:
Domini, Ronald A.
PINE BLUFF
Ronald A. Domini, age 63, died Nov. 9, 2009, at HospiceCare Center surrounded by his family and closest friends. Ron was born in Pine Bluff, the son of Don and Rose Domini. He lived most of his life in Dane County. Domini graduated from Edgewood High School, class of 1964; served in the U.S. Army Special Forces; and received a BA from UW-Madison in 1972. He began his career as a Dane County Veterans Service Officer. In 1976 he became the first Wisconsin PEOPLE Director for AFSCME Union. As the public employee union's political director, he had a hand in every major political campaign in Wisconsin for over two decades. He taught, advised and mentored a generation of political activists. Upon retirement from politics, he established Ron's Lawn and Handyman Service, where he enjoyed the return to outdoor work and the many customers who became his friends. Ron's survivors include daughters, Jamie Domini and Jackie (Stephen) Rose; his pride and joy, grandsons, Heron and Joe Rose; Sally Jerney, his former wife; mother, Rose Domini; sister, Angi (Jim) Jerney; brother, Rick (Renee) Domini; his loving companion, Julie Bailey; dear friends, Dan and Joanne; as well as extended family and friends. Ron is also survived by his many brothers and sisters in the union; his many political friends; and all those who shared his life through twelve step programs. He was preceded in death by his father, Don Domini; his grandparents; and several aunts and uncles. A Memorial Celebration will be held at Holy Wisdom Monastery (formerly St. Benedict's Center) 4200 County Road M, Middleton, at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 2009. The family will be available at 12 p.m. for visitation. Friday evening there will be a concert (featuring Phat Function) to benefit UW cancer research at the Majestic Theater in Madison. Friends and family are encouraged to attend. For more information go to http://www.funkoutcancer.com. Ron's family wishes to recognize the outpouring of support and love that made Ron's final days such a blessing for both him and his family. We would also like to thank all those who helped care for him during his illness, especially the angels from Pod 6, and the kitchen staff who sustained us for the 10 days at the HospiceCare Center. Memorials may be made to the HospiceCare, Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 or to any cause that would honor the memory of this dear man.
Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com