Dominick Peter Zito

Dominick Peter Zito, 80 of Charleston, SC passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 3, 2010. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 5th 1929 to Emilia Venia and Nicolo Zito. He is survived by his wife Doris ( Martucci) Zito whom he married on Oct. 19, 1957. He was the beloved father of four daughters: Nancy Orientale (Gerard) of Southold New York, Alice Leto, James Island, SC, Joan Decker (Brett) of James Island, SC, and Dawn Zito, of Palm Coast FL. Grandfather to nine grandchildren, Danielle, Nicole, Karley, Kaela, Nicolas, Alexis, Zander, Aiden & Genna, also great grandfather to Colten, Hayden and Gavin. He is also survived by his sister Jennie Pascarelli of Port Richey FL, and his brother Joseph Zito of Bronx, NY. He was predeceased by his brother Charles Zito and sister Josephine Caccopola. Dominick was a Veteran of the US Army and served in the Korean War. He went on to pursue an education in Business Management from Fordham University, NY. After graduation he became a well received manager for Leeds Luggage Company. In 1968 he moved to the North Fork of Long Island, New York, purchased a Restaurant/Inn, which became a well known and popular eatery. In 1976, Dominick went on to pursue another interest in Social Work and Psychology. He received an AS in Criminal Justice from SUNY at Farmingdale, Masters in Psychology from SUNY at Stony Brook, Master in Social Work, and a Masters in Public Administration. He was employed by the Suffolk County Dept. of Child Welfare, to follow the Suffolk County Dept. of Psychology. He also had his own psychology practice, Alpha Achievement Center. Dominick was fluent in Sicilian, Italian and Spanish. He was very involved with the Spanish speaking communities and ran several bilingual group therapy sessions. He finally retired in 1996 to Charleston, SC so he could pursue his many interests; sailing, gardening, and raising Koi. He was also a proud member of the Charleston Coast Guard and served as president of the Wexford Sound Homeowner's Association, a member of the Charleston Koi Fish Club and a volunteer at St. Francis Hospital. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Dominick P. Zito are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 56 Center St. Folly Beach. The Rite of Committal will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery on James Island. The family wil receive friends between the hours of 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM this Monday evening at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, (843) 766-1365. Memorial messages and thoughts of condolence may be left for the family by visiting www.charlestonfunerals.com.