Dominick C. DiPaulo, an IAFF 1st District Vice President emeritus who worked tirelessly on behalf of New York and New Jersey members, died Oct. 23. He was 82.
“Brother DiPaulo set an example as a proud family man, veteran, and union leader,” said General President Edward Kelly. “His contributions have made a difference for countless members at the Local, state, and international levels. He will be missed.”
Those sentiments were echoed across the IAFF.
“Dominick was an incredible human being and leader who was well-respected by everyone throughout the 1st District,” said Samuel Fresina, New York State Fire Fighters Association president. “He served as a true champion, not just for my Local, Albany 2007, but every Local. If there was a member in need, you could always depend on him.”
DiPaulo dedicated his life to others, first with the U.S. Navy and then with the fire service. He joined the Syracuse Fire Department on Feb. 3, 1966, responding to emergencies and saving lives for more than 30 years.
DiPaulo was also a dedicated union leader. He spent 11 years as Syracuse Local 280 president, negotiating contracts and addressing the priorities of the membership.
He expanded his reach when he was elected IAFF 1st District Vice President in 1988, a position he held until 2000.
Brother DiPaulo set an example as a proud family man, veteran, and union leader. His contributions have made a difference for countless members at the Local, state, and international levels. He will be missed.” - General President Edward Kelly
“He was a strong voice for members throughout the 1st District who was well respected by all of his peers,” said James Slevin, 1st District Vice President. “No Local was too big or too small. He fought on behalf of all of them.”
DiPaulo was awarded district vice president emeritus status at the 45th IAFF Convention in Chicago in 2000.
Off the job, he was a lifelong New York Yankees fan, according to his obituary. He enjoyed being around friends and family on the golf course, fishing, and meeting friends for a coffee.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathleen; his children Marlene DiPaulo, Missy Angotti, and Lisa Kaplan; and his four grandchildren.
A funeral Mass will be held Oct. 30 at 10 a.m., in St. Daniel Church located at 3004 Court St. in Syracuse. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dominick’s memory may be made to the Burn Foundation of CNY P.O. Box 11277 Syracuse, NY, 13218.