Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Domenick Family Picnic celebrated for 60th year
The 60th Consecutive Domenick Family Picnic was a huge success at St. Michael’s Park in Mont Clare. There were 190 who attended which included 66 families.
This year there were two recipients of the Domenick Scholarship Fund Award: Rachel Nick of Downingtown who graduated from the Downingtown STEM Academy and is attending West Chester University, and Abigail Domenick of West Chester, who is attending Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She was unable to attend the picnic so her father, Jeff Domenick, accepted her award.
“The highlight of the day for me and I’m sure for all of us was the showing of a video on a large screen of our aunts and uncles who attended the picnic over the years,” said Joan Domenick Schlote of Wayne. “While viewing the video the song by Kenny Rogers’ ‘Through The Years’ was playing in the background. Since all of our aunts and uncles are now deceased, it was an emotional moment for all of us.”.
The 14 Domenick children grew up on the Main Line. Antonio and Eleanor Domenick came to this country from Italy in 1906. Antonio was employed as manager and caretaker on the 300-acre estate of William Townsend Wright, now called “Ravenscliff.” After Antonio retired in 1936 following the death of Wright, the Domenick family moved to Lantoga Road in Wayne. Some of the Domenick sons, though, stayed on at the estate to assist the new manager who took over when William Coxe Wright and Charlotte Dorrance Wright moved into the “Ravenscliff” mansion.
Six Domenick brothers who all served in the armed forces during World War II were recognized for their service during a recent ceremony at the war memorial in Wayne. Their descendants accepted memorial flags on their behalf at the special ceremony in August.
At the Domenick Family picnic, Jeff Domenick of West Chester and his musical group provided music throughout the day. Catering was done by Lou and Donna Marcozzi of Media who attended with their 10 children, some of them lending a helping hand. A wide variety of Italian entrees were served. In honor of its being the 60th consecutive reunion, a unique cake shaped into the number 60 was made by Donna Marcozzi.
In addition, there was the traditional roasted pig (complete with apple in its mouth) that was brought in on the board. There was a table full of fresh fruit and even an ice cream freezer with all flavors for adults and children.
This year, and every year, there is a large dessert table with a variety of “goodies” made by family members.
Games were played and a raffle took place with a variety of prizes donated by Domenick family members such as three gift cards to Pietro’s Prime in West Chester, an overnight stay at the General Warren Inn in Malvern, Phillies tickets, gift cards to Firepoint Grill, Casey’s, and more.