Dominic Paul DeNicola

Mr. Dominic Paul DeNicola (Nick) age 89, of Gulfport, MS died Friday, October 9, 2009 in Gulfport. Nick was born in Gulfport, MS on January 7, 1920, to Salvatora Trippe DeNicola and Andrea (Henry) DeNicola, and he was one of nine children. Dominic DeNicola graduated from Gulfport High School class of 1937. Nick entered the Army Air Force in 1942 as an aircraft mechanic after attending Delgado Community College in New Orleans, LA. Nick was assigned to the Sixth Air Force Base in Puerto Rico as an aerial engineer. His next assignment was as an aircraft line chief at Rome Army Air Field in New York. In New York, Nick was responsible for transit aircraft during World War II. While serving at his post in New York, Nick met and married his late wife, Mildred (Millie) Lepeska in July of 1945. After the war, Nick and Millie returned to Gulfport and Nick took a job as a salesman with Koury’s Men and Boys Apparel in downtown Gulfport. Nick then took a temporary job in Accounting with Mississippi Power Company. This temporary job turned into a full time position, and Nick retired from Mississippi Power after 34 years of loyal service. During his long career, Nick served in many different Accounting rolls helping the company to provide power service to the southern region. Nick also served as Chairman of the Plant Accounting Committee of the South Eastern Electric Association. In 1982, Nick was elected Assistant Secretary/Treasurer by the MS Power Company Board of Directors. Later, Charlie Walker, City of Gulfport Commissioner of Finance, asked Nick to serve on the City of Gulfport Zoning Board, which became the Gulfport Board of Adjustments. Nick also served as Chairman for the Board of Adjustments and Chairman of the Planning Commission. Nick was extremely proud of the 32 years that he served on the city boards helping to shape the City of Gulfport. His love for the city is very apparent with the many years that his served as a volunteer. Nick was also very active in St. John Catholic Church in Gulfport. He was a former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1583 and was also a Fourth Degree member of Knights Assembly 0556. For many years, Nick took an active roll in the KC’s Bingo program and loved the numerous people who attended the games. Mr. DeNicola was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mildred "Millie" DeNicola. Survivors include a daughter, Jonelle Meadows, and a son, Frank DeNicola and his wife, Robin, all of Gulfport; a brother, John DeNicola of Cambria, CA; four grandchildren, Victoria Lynn Meadows, Meredith Anne Meadows, Dominic Ryan DeNicola, and Andre Joseph DeNicola; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to give extraordinary recognition to Dr. Douglas Lanier for his friendship, love and the special care that he provided to Nick and Millie over all the years. We also would like to thank all of Nick’s caregivers who have provided him the respect and love that he so deserved. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to St. John Catholic Church. 2414 17th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501, or your favorite charity. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church where friends may visit beginning at 9:30 a.m.. Interment will be in Evergreen Gardens. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th St., Gulfport, in charge of arrangements.