Domenic Germaneri

Domenic Paul Germaneri, known to all as Mike, passed away peacefully April 17, 2012, in his Corvallis home at the age of 97. Mike was born to Joseph and Rose “Rozina” Germaneri, who had emigrated from Calabria, Italy, to Barnsboro, Pa., in the early 1900s. Mike was the fourth-oldest of 10 children. Joseph instilled in Mike a strong work ethic. Mike’s father had him working to help deliver coal on a horse-drawn cart to the people in their town. His family grew or raised most of their food, and that meant working every day after school. Learning to work hard was a skill that Mike applied to everything he did in life. Mike graduated from high school during the Depression. He worked for a short time in the coal mines, but decided that was too dangerous and was not the life he wanted. After working in the Civilian Conservation Corps for a year, Mike went west looking for work, and in 1938 decided to join the U.S. Navy while in Portland. Mike met his love, Pauline Gylling, when his ship was docked in Long Beach, Calif. They were married in 1940, just before the war. Their marriage would span 67 loving years. At the onset of World War II, Mike was aboard the Flagship USS Pennsylvania, anchored in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked. His wife did not know for two weeks if he had survived. Mike went on to serve eight years in the Navy, and received a wartime officer’s commission. The Navy took him throughout the Pacific and through the Panama Canal three times. Mike loved the Navy, but decided that was not the life that would be best for their family. After the war, Mike and Pauline settled in Long Beach. Mike continued his love of big ships, and worked at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard for 30-plus years, and then worked seven years for Long Beach State University as a lab technician in the physics department. They raised five children and had a wonderful life in Long Beach. In 1982, Mike and Pauline, along with their youngest daughter, Suzanne, followed their oldest son, Steve, and his wife, Ellen, up to Corvallis, and lived on Colorado Lake, where Mike continued one of his lifelong passions, fishing. During his life, the characteristics that set Mike apart were his honesty, respect for others, generosity and his love for his grandchildren. Mike was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back if you were in need. There was never a time when Mike wouldn’t have time for his grandchildren; he showered them with love and attention. Another one of his passions and a big part of his life while living in Corvallis was being an active member in his church, and many wonderful friendships were developed. Mike is survived by his oldest son, Steve Germaneri, and his wife, Ellen; daughter, Cindy Fashbaugh; son, David Germaneri; daughter, Suzanne Clarkson and her husband, Greg Clarkson; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Mike is also survived by two siblings: a sister, Roseanne Hudson of Richfield, Conn.; and a brother, Joseph Germaneri of Buena Park, Calif. Through all these years, Mike kept in very close contact with his siblings, talking to each other several times a week. Mike was preceded in death by his dear wife, Pauline, three years ago, and his son, Phillip, 10 years ago. Mike will be buried in Willamette National Cemetery in Portland in honor of his distinguished military service. The family asks that any considerations be donated to Benton Hospice Service, 2350 N.W. Professional Drive, Corvallis 97330. Family members give heartfelt thanks to all those involved in helping us keep Mike at home and very comfortable during his final days with us.

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Domenic Germaneri

March 30, 1915 - April 17, 2012