Dominic Joseph Savoca

Dominic Joseph Savoca was born in Westfield, New Jersey on December 23, 1924 and passed away on September 2, 2014 in Fallbrook.

After spending his formative years in Westfield, at age 18 he was drafted into the Army and fought in the 28th Infantry Division (The Bloody Bucket). He landed on Omaha Beach in July of 1944 and participated in the campaigns of Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe, Normandy, and Northern France. He fought through the Battle of the Bulge and considered himself lucky to have survived. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and the EAME Theatre of Operations Medal.

Following World War II, he attended New York University and Columbia University. Dominic moved to Northern California in the early 1950’s. He was associated with Transamerica Life Insurance Company, in various capacities, for 58 years. His professional memberships included: National, California, and North County Associations of Life Underwriters. His industry awards included: Transamerica Occidental Life Leading Producer’s Club, Million Dollar Club, National Quality Award, and National Sales Achievement Award.

In 1977, he relocated to the Bonsall/Fallbrook area and became an active member of the community. He was involved in the Bonsall Sponsor Planning Group for San Diego, Bonsall Area for a Rural Community (BARC), North County Transportation Coalition, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Bonsall Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, and the Fallbrook Music Society. He was most proud, however, of getting the Bonsall Community Center built, which was a 25-year endeavor.

Dominic was also the past president of General Agents and Managers Association, San Diego County 1989 Volunteer of the Year, and received the Governor’s Transportation Award in 1991.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carmelo and Concetta Savoca, and brothers, John and Joe.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carol; daughters Dominique Savoca Derieg (Dennis) of Oceanside, Calif., Michael Savoca of Ukiah, Calif., Elizabeth Savoca Fogg (Drew) of Arcata, Calif.; son Robert (Kate) of Brooklyn, New York; and grandchildren Rowan, Violet, and Cormac. He is also survived by his sister, Nellie Kubisiak of New Jersey, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 18 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary, with vigil at 6 p.m. Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 19 at St. Peter’s Church in Fallbrook.

Dominic was a true gentleman, so loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice in his memory.