The Aquilian November 2014 Volume 77, Number 2
Gonzaga College High School Men For Others Since 1821
19 Eye St, NW Washington, DC 20001
Dominik Pettey ‘15, Our Brother, 8/5/97-11/1/14 For Dom. Dominik Pettey. Dom. Domo. Dinger. Dom went by many names, but I knew him by Pettey. I remember the first time I met Pettey. Freshmen year, 6th lunch had a tradition. During long 6th all the freshmen would go to the football field and play handball. But this wasn’t any ordinary handball game. This was no-holdsbarred-warfare-handball. We played for about two weeks and then the real all-stars at this sport started to appear. Two names come to mind when you think of the best freshmen year handball players: Meloni and Pettey. I knew Meloni already, but everybody kept talking about this Pettey kid. I thought, who the hell is this Pettey kid? One cold day in December, we were playing handball and I noticed a
normal-sized kid run through at least three boys and break another two tackles then spin and throw the ball right pass the goalie. I thought “Who is that? I want him on my team.” I asked the nearest person I could find who that was, and they replied back “That’s Pettey dude. Everybody knows that.” “Pettey...” I thought. After that I went up to Pettey, praised him on his goal and he shot back the greatest smile I’d ever seen. I can still picture his smile shining across his face now. That when I first knew of Dominik Pettey. I had no idea he would impact my life so much. Ever since that day, Pettey would say hi to me in the hallways and show that brilliant smile of his anytime I saw him. He
was an immediate friend, a rare find. Sophomore year, I had the privilege to share one of my favorite classes ever with Pettey: Mr. Lipari’s third period European History. This is when I truly began to bond with Dom. We both loved Mr. Lipari’s conservative views and his classic sayings like “Am I blowing stuff into the wind? Or is it just mist? 31 or 34?” Dom loved the way Mr. Lipari praised Teddy and complimented McQuillen on his constantly changing college sweatshirts and his red g-shock. I loved that class. And Dom made it that much better. We started watching Band of Brothers in that class and that’s when Dom shared that he was considering the military and I got so excited
because I was considering it too. So as we watched Band of Brothers we shared our military ambitions and how our favorite movies were Black Hawk Down and Saving Private Ryan. I told him I loved the Batman movies, and he would constantly tease me and tell me how bad they were. On the premiere night of Dark Night Rises, Dom texted me “New Batman is terrible dude, don’t see it .“ Made me laugh so hard because I was already in line to watch it. I loved Dom. I wish Dom could have served next to me. It would have been an honor and privilege to be by Dom’s side. We both honored and respected the idea of dying for your brothers. We both believed that laying down your life for your brothers is the ultimate sacrifice but also
the ultimate honor. And Dom did it. Dominik Pettey laid down his life for his brothers. Never forget that. I keep hearing news stories about Dom, and they keep saying “a seventeen year boy killed” or a “a high school teenager died”. No. That is Dom Pettey. Remember his name. Dom gave of himself for his brothers each day, and to repay him, we must honor his sacrifice. He brought smiles to countless faces and lifted uncountable lives. In his name, do the same. Dominik Pettey. Remember his name. He personified the spirit of Gonzaga. He was my brother. He was our brother. He was an Eagle. And he was a Man for Others. I love you Dom. - #11 for life, Rives
The Aquilian 2 Dom was one special kid. In the one class I had with him never did I see him without a smile, a backwards hat on, and a big ole dinger in. The class we had together was 8th period in the Franklin parking lot. Dom lived for free 8th period in Franklin. Every day he opened his trunk of his car and pulled out three lawn chairs and a football, and the best part about it; he didn’t ever sit in the lawn chairs or join in the football being thrown around. He just stood there watching everyone have a great time with a huge smile on. This was literally every day too, never a day went by without Dom making free 8th in Franklin a party. I will miss you forever Dom!! Hope you are having a good time with God in heaven. RIP good friend. Love, Denis.
Few things made me smile more than seeing Dom in between class periods. His eyes would light up and he had an ear to ear smile as we high-fived. He’d always say something funny, and I always left happier and more energized. He touched people’s lives in so many big ways – whether it be his relationship with the hockey team, or his teachers – but he also affected people’s lives in small ways. Dom’s happiness and energy – and high-fives – were constant. I’m forever grateful for having known him, and I already feel his positive energy looking over the Gonzaga community. Tom Sullivan, Class of 2015
Every day in Chem class Dom would walk in with a huge smile on his face and his hand cocked back and would say “Dap me up Curt.” Then he would proceed to do the same thing with every person in our class, searching for the one that would make the loudest pop. Every day Junior year Dom would repeat this ritual, until he got his appendix surgery in the Spring. During this tough time for Dom his attendance was off and on, and eventually he stopped coming altogether. Out entire class missed Dom so much for the few months he was gone. We lacked something without him. It’s hard to think now we’ll never get back that special quality Dom brought each day to Chemistry. We’ll miss ya Dom. Curtis Bullock From first period with a teacher yelling at Dom, to another adoring him in second period, Dom was an energetic and compassionate man. From a first period teacher giving him JUG for talking to friends, then him talking to another for twenty minutes about hockey. I’d thank him for wasting class and we’d laugh, or turn to each other and say “what’s going on,” or “what’s he saying.” Dom was an awesome classmate and friend. Love you buddy. #11 in heaven.
I have so many amazing memories of Dom. From freshman year to senior year, the things he said and did never stopped making me or all his other friends laugh. He was a beacon of happiness for everyone he interacted with. Looking back on fond memories of things like choral arts, class, Redskins games, and homecoming parties that I shared with Dom. Dom will be missed by me and everyone he knew. Patrick Whitney
Dom. You were always a great. There wasn’t one moment where anyone felt sad around you because you always found a way to make people smile. Like all of us I am sad that you’re gone, but I am happy you are up there in peace. I hope hockey in heaven is a lot better than down here. I love you man. Karl
Dom my Boy. Although I just got to really know you this year, every moment with you was joyful! Whether it was cracking jokes or laughing at Mike in Statistics, or looking at each other wondering what story Mr. Lipari was going to share with us next. It felt like I knew you Dom and I had 2nd period Statistics together this year. His forever. You’ll truly be missed. 1 love! Un- humor would brighten up the classroom and make the til we meet again! Bryant Crawford class even more enjoyable than it already was. Every now and then I would have a rough start to my day either Dom epitomized what it meant to Yesterday at hockey practice, one from being overwhelmed with homework, or from being be a Gonzaga man. He never failed player was hit with a puck right where stressed about a test. On these rough mornings I would to go out of his way to dap someone there was no padding. He winced in come into school in a terrible mood, but after 2nd period up, whether he knew them or not. pain for a short moment, and then my mood would go from bad to great because of Dom. He made an impression on everybegan to skate it off. I asked him if he He would always say something kind to me during 2nd one, and it’s going to be weird not was okay, and he said, “Yeah, Dom told period. He would say something like, “Dude you’re smart, having him shout my name out from me to stop being a baby about it.” I’m sure you’ll do fine on the test.” Whether he knew it or across the hall, and then running up, not, those kind words went a long way for me. Dom found giving me a high-five, and watching Dom, as you watch over me from heaven, a way to put me in a better mood no matter the circumhim walk away as he did his signaI want you to remember some meaningful stance and I will forever be grateful for his great sense of ture hair-flip. memories of you and me, including freshhumor and for all the kind things he said to me. I love you Dom-o was an incredible athlete, a man English class, weekend hangouts, and Dom. Rest in peace. George B good friend, who on countless octhis past summer. They will be forever in my casions I would talk to angry and I have never met someone like Dom in my life. Every time he heart. I love you Dom! come out happy on my way to my came up to talk to you, he made you feel awesome. It was like car after school. he was so excited to see you. Love you Dom. Stay golden Domo. We love and miss you more than you could ever imagine. Domo was one of the greatest guys I have ever met and he will truly be missed. I am a better person for knowing him.
The Aquilian
Founded In 1940 Gonzaga College HIgh School 19 Eye Street NW Washington, DC 20001 aquilian@gonzaga.org Men For Others in the Jesuit Tradition Since 1821
Editor-in-Chief Derrell Bouknight ‘15 Managing Editors Kevon Turner ‘15 Gabe Castro ‘15 Production Editor Peter Brown ‘17
Associate Editors Konrad Woo ‘15 Richard Finney ‘15 Nick Jenkins ‘16 Nelson Davies ‘16 Dennis O’Brien ‘17
Photo Editors Christian Muckerman ‘15 Nick Lazaroae ‘17
Moderator: Dr. Harry Rissetto
The Aquilian 3 Dom. You were always that kid in the hallway who went way out of his way to say hi to me. The kid that was way more happy than I was, and for seemingly no reason. Admittedly, it almost creeped me out. I soon got over that however, and began to look forward to seeing you, which, despite not having classes with you, happened very often. Just now I am realizing how important that daily smile and eye contact really was. Anyways, fast forward two years. Over time we have become good buddies. We played hockey together, and you had been extremely supportive of me, despite my lower skill level. Finally senior year came around, and with it a new and improved Dom, complete with a mullet and a dip addiction. We both had free eighth, and through it we grew a special bond. I mean, let’s be honest here Dom, we packed bombs. Every day we’d sit in your lawn chairs and bum dips off one another. It was great. I could go on about the last time I saw you, and how I’d just gotten back from Kairos, and our first practice of the year. But you were there, and you know what happened. All I really want to say is that I love and miss you, as you will forever be the kid that tailgated school. Willie Leidolf Dom’s life was one that was truly cut short. Knowing him since freshman year; I’ve seen him grow up and mature a lot while still retaining the goofy positivity we all know and love him for. He was more than a guy; he was “The Guy.”
The first time I ever met Dom was during the summer classes before the start of Freshman year. He was the first person I mustered up enough confidence to talk too because I had to make new friends in a school of people I did not know. I sat next to Dom during the Intro to Gonzaga English class led by Mr. McIntyre. We basically learned the punctuation templates, and because Dom was Dom, we ended up talking about hockey and the other schools we had applied to. Dom was a light-hearted guy with a persistence unmatched by any other because he tried to make the hockey team for Gonzaga and eventually did I believe during sophomore or junior year. Aside from that I will remember Dom for being the kid that made me want to go to English and Math class. It still hurts me to know that my last words to him would be a mere “sup Dom” in the hallway after 7th period before we left for our three-day Halloween weekend. I wish I could have asked him about how he was doing, but I took for granted Dom’s existence and thought I would ask him the next week, but I will never get that chance, and that’s what hurts me the most. Ben Fiore The bottom line is you are outstanding Dom. #APHUG 6th period. Love you brother. Devin Williams ‘15
Love you Dom. You will always be here with us. Joe V’s will never be the same. I’ll miss you sittin next to me in Lipari whispering hilarious remarks to me. You’re my brother. Love you bud.
Dom and I always took the metro home with three other friends during freshman, sophomore, and junior year. It was always fun, and we were pretty close. On Wednesday Dom and I were singing “December 1963” and “Love Shack” in the Upper Commons. It was so fun, and I was hoping to do it again this week.
Sweetest sniper camo costume! You will always be remembered. Watch over the Purple for us. 50in07
Dominik was my best friend, we did everything “Judas, why’d you shave together. His love for dude?” Dom, I know I never Gonzaga was like no told you how much this little th other. He loved being with his Gonzaga brothers in any way possible. phrase meant to me, but hearing it every day as I walked into 5 period brought me smiles and now brings me memories. Dom, I know Being in the K Street lot throwing the football or sitting in his lawn chairs. Me and Dom would have an uncountable number of memories. Memories I never told you how much our vine direct messages meant to me, but going through the six-second videos you sent me as I laid in bed that I would have only wanted to share with him and nobody else. Driving home from hockey everyday last year is something I will never forget. brought me laughs and now brings me tears. Dom, I know I never Dom and I told each other everything. We were the closest of friends. I told you how much I love you, but your wisecracks during Cannon English last year to your gestures while I was debating against you in visited the Pettey’s house the day after the accident and Mrs. Pettey told Corgan brought me joy and now brings me grief. I know I never told me how much Dominik loved me and everyone else at Gonzaga for all you any of these things, but Dom, now that you’re with God, I know they have done for him. Dom was the happiest kid I knew and never had that you always knew. Domo, I love you dude; save me a seat at the a frown on his face. This is why I loved him and why I will miss him and never forget him. I love you Domo! Dennis DeVol lunch table up there. Love, Owen Fish, CXXVII, #11 in Heaven Instead of climbing that long stairway to K32 every morning, I know you’re climbing that stairway to heaven. Rest in Peace Dom.
My old friend, I recall the times we had hanging on my wall, I wouldn’t trade them for gold, cause you laughed and you cried with me, you somehow sanctify me, the stories are told and told again, my old friend. Don’t know why, don’t know why, my old friend, good bye my old friend. I love you so much Dom and miss you so much, you meant so much to so many different people. I know you’re living the dream in heaven Big Man. Keep playing pond hockey with Jesus. Love you so much Dom. Can’t wait to see my friend again. With love. Richie Petitbon I didn’t know Dom that well. All I know is if I can have a small fraction of the good impact he has had on the world when I leave, I’ll be happy.
This year Dom and I sat at the same table before school to eat breakfast. I saw him there everyday, we did not have any classes together this year so that was the extent to which we would interact on a day to day basis. Sometimes he’d make me laugh, other times I’d just roll my eyes and respond like “ya whatever you say Dom.” But today when I walked into the lunchroom and looked at the empty space usually filled by him I turned around and went to my first period early. Breakfast didn’t seem so pressing anymore. Dom’s gone, but I don’t know how to accept it.
Dominik was the first classmate I met going into Freshman year. I planned to play hockey during my years at Gonzaga, so I attended the summer hockey camp. That first day at hockey camp, I knew no one. I was introduced to Dom, “Hi, I’m Dom.” He seemed like a good kid, and at that moment I knew my years at Gonzaga would be great ones. After failing to join the team Freshman year, Dom asked me multiple times each year, “Oliverio, are you trying out for hockey this year?!” Freshman year was my last year playing hockey, and I regret it. I hope there is hockey in heaven, because when I get there, I’m playing with him. Brendan Oliverio The Fallen Eagle: Dear Heavenly Father. I was with Dom the night of the accident. I can Please watch over us and all those who are attest he was having the time of his life. I can affected by the loss of our fallen eagle. Guide only hope that I leave this world with as much his spirit through your mighty gates. Guide our hearts to do your will and guide our minds love and joy as he did. He was truly a positive to remember our brother. May he be at peace. figure for all. We love you so much Dom, can’t wait to meet again. Jack Sanders Amen
The Aquilian 4
He Will Raise You Up on Eagles’ Wings
And Hold You in the Palm of His Hand
The Aquilian 5
The Aquilian 6 Dom. It’s extremely hard to put into words how empty I feel now that you are gone. I never realized that you were such a big part of my everyday life. Whether it was a simple joke in religion class or the way you wore the same 50 in 07 shirt every weekend, your actions imparted a routine to my life. I guess I will never really understand how amazing your personality was. My attitude on life always contradicted yours. Where you saw happiness and adventure, I saw conflict. I miss the way you walked into a room and made everyone a little happier. Your smile was infectious and I cannot believe I will never have it brighten my day. I miss you Domo, and I love you. Never forget that. Pat Newkument
Domo. I can’t begin to explain how much I will miss you. Your smile, funny jokes, not funny jokes, silly hair, letter jacket, hats, tins, and chillin in Franklin. How did you even get out there so fast every day? I couldn’t be happier to say I went on Kairos with you in my small group, it means even more now than it did then. Watch over me as you live in my memory forever. Jack Fleury
Throughout my entire high school experience I have only had one class with Dominik: Freshman Gym. Dominik was always one of the better athletes, especially when it came to hockey, but I remember that he remained positive and optimistic no matter how badly his side was losing. Dominik was one of those guys who always loosened the mood and made gym class a lot more fun. I didn’t have any classes with him after that, but I’m certain he was the same in any other class. Rest in peace.
I think Dom’s dad put it best when he came to talk to us during our celebration yesterday. Mr. Pettey said he believed God had taken Dom because the other saints in heaven were too old and I didn’t really know Dom that well. To me, he was just one of God needed someone up there who could relate to what kids those guys I knew about but never really saw. That being said, go through. It’s sad to not have Dom with us anymore, but the If feel as though I have lost a brother. The collective pain of image of him in heaven playing pond hockey and laughing it up I miss joking and laughing those who knew him, and that of the entire Gonzaga community with you in Mr. Davis’ Algewith the saints is a comforting one. I know he’s up there, and I is palpable. You can see it in the faces of those who knew him know he’s looking down on me and the rest of the class of 2015, bra class Freshman year. well. On Monday the 3rd of November, after the prayer service, cracking a smile whenever he sees us up to some mischief. Dom You made math enjoyable. in the Franklin Lot, there existed a completely different world. A Thanks so much Dom. Mike was the ideal Gonzaga man and he will be dearly missed. RIP side of Gonzaga I had never fully experienced. Amidst the smoke Zapata Dinger. Love you. that was certainly only from the BBQ grills, was a celebration of Dear Domo. Monday, was a day no other school will ever the life of Dominik Pettey. It was in those moments that I saw Come back, please. experience. In remembering you the whole school came the true meaning of being a Man for Others. I can say with 100% together as a big family. Forever will I miss the big smile, certainty that I am proud to be part of this community. On that big heart, and big impact day, we came together and you put upon us. You were triumphed over the pain of a stud on and off the ice. our loss. We grew in love. It is Many people looked up to our response to hardship that you in many ways. Just like determines the strength of our in “The Sandlot” the quote, character. We can let ourselves “Heroes get remembered, be overtaken, or we can rise but legends never die,” reup and take control of our lives minds me of you. Although and live in a way that honors you passed Domo, you those who have departed from were a damn legend. Every us in this life. Rest in Peace game I play from here on, Dom, you’re in our prayers. I play for you. I work my Eagles Fly High. hardest, because that’s what Dom was a man, committed you insisted upon. I will win, to lifting the spirits of every because that’s what you student at Gonzaga. He introdid. Domo, this community duced himself to me sophois so different without you, more year, as a man of good but I know you are having a honor and friendship. Every hell of a time up there. You time we passed each other in will be greatly missed. Your the hallway, he would always Brother. D. Merv. PS Can’t greet me with a quick “what’s wait to see you as an angel up?” and I would always reply in my outfield! Love you with a “nothing much.” He brother. was always in a positive mood, and always had a new hairstyle Dom. The way you brought or a new walking stride that together an entire commumade him unique in a cool way. nity was one of the most He will always have a place amazing things I’ve ever in the memories every student experienced. I didn’t know shares of their experience at you that well, but you must Gonzaga. We will forever have been really, really remember him as our good special. Anybody who knew friend, Dom. Pablo Lopez Dom was one of my first friends at Gonzaga. I remember meeting him on the first day of school in our freshman year. We had French together. When I walked into Madame’s room, Dom was there. He was talking to all the other students. I thought he was a senior from the way he carried himself. I was surprised to learn that he was a freshman too. We talked every day in French class, often getting into trouble. I love you man. I miss you Dom. I can’t wait to meet you again in Heaven. Dom. During and after your life you changed and are changing people. You knew what was truly important, living every day like it was your last. From heaven you have brought upon us the most profound sense of brotherhood and kinship. The senior class became as unified as it could ever be because of you, a legacy that will never fade. The class of 2015 is immortal, for you will always be with us. Thank you so much Dom for this amazing gift. Although you are not with us today, we will meet again soon.
you should be as proud as your Gonzaga family. Jackson Freeman
Even though his death was sudden and very unexpected, at least he died with his friends near him, and we hope that his final thoughts were happy ones. He will always be a purple Eagle and part of our class of 2015. Let us pray for him in the hopes that he will be happier in heaven and is now in a better place. #RIPDOM Dom was just a great person, but I wish we were closer. There was never a day where I saw Dom in a bad mood. He was always happy, always laughing, and making jokes with everybody. I’m just going to miss being in class laughing and having fun with him. I lost one of my brothers, but I know he is in a better place right now. I will miss you Dom. Love you man!
Dom was one of the first new friends I met at Gonzaga. He was in my freshman PE Class and we became good friends quickly. Ever since then he has been a great friend who would always have a smile on his face. I know that yesterday’s cookout would have been Dom’s dream, and I know he will be watching over us the rest of the year. I didn’t know you too well Dom, but I want you to know you will always be missed by me and the rest of the Gonzaga community. Dear God. Please help me. I promise you, you will never be forgotten.
I used to ride the metro with him everyday sophomore year, but did not have any classes with him junior or senior year. When he passed I remembered that at one point I was pretty close with him. I realized it was sophomore year and that we had a lot of good times on the metro. My Friend Dom. You cheered me up through hard times, keeping a smile on your face, you brighten up the room on a bad day with a joke or two making the teachers feel rage, we would love talking about hockey and my chances of making the team, you still encourage me to try out even though I couldn’t skate, but you knew it was my dream. You never failed me, so I’m going to live in your name, I know you look down on me, number eleven all the way. David Smith
My intentions go out to the Pettey family for the loss of their son Dominik. He was a good kid and a great brother with a tremendous heart. I’m glad I got to meet him and call him a friend over the past three years. He was a kind-hearted kid with an infectious smile that brightened up everyone’s day. He will be missed and never forgotten because he was a true man for others. Love you Dom. The brotherhood lives forever. ElevenInHeaven, CXXVI.
The Aquilian 7 Often times after a friend’s passing we choose that person’s best characteristics to describe him. We paint that person in the best light possible, sometimes unintentionally as we recall moments of joy and love shared. However, I believe Dom’s case is different. Dom really was defined by his best qualities. He truly was the funny, happy, outgoing kid we remember him as. He was welcoming, energetic, and kind-hearted, caring, enthusiastic, and above all, loving. As I look back on our shared memories, I cannot recall any bad ones. He was my brother and I will always love him, but more importantly I will remember him for who he really was. That goofy, loving kid, always with a smile on his face. Jack Owczarski Dom. Please watch over me. I can’t stop thinking back to last Friday night. You were wearing a red hockey jersey and a Gonzaga bucket hat. You were so happy to see me and so happy throughout the night. Every time I looked at you I saw a smile on your face, even when I walked back into one of the storage rooms where you were. You turned your head, smiled, said “Shane dude,” and laughed. I laughed with you. I can remember that night so vividly. When I was praying to God with you last night, I felt a sudden warmth on my hand and wrist. I don’t know if it was you or not or if I’m imagining things, but either way, I cried. You have touched my life and all of your brothers’ in a way that you will never understand. Well, maybe you do understand because God has shared the secrets of the universe with you. I love and miss you buddy. You really made Gonzaga a special place, I mean, look at that tailgate we had on Monday. It was a day for you; it was the best day of my life. I will always remember you, chemistry class and your gross hair. I’m kidding of course, it was beautiful. Have fun up there buddy. Save a dinger up there for me brother. Rest easy my man. Shane PS God, Please watch over him. Take him under your wing. Show him how loved he is.
Hey Dom. I miss you dude. Nothing’s the same since you left. I love you and I’ll never forget you. Everything I do, I do it for you. Save some spots up there for the rest of us, okay? This isn’t a goodbye. It’s a see you later. So see you later big man. Speetjens PS My hair is almost as lush as yours Dom always was trying to make his friends smile and laugh. My favorite story with him is when were sitting together in the English building and he would throw gummy bears at the ceiling. After multiple tries one finally stuck and stayed there for two months. It was actions like this that made Dom the incredible, funny, and caring person that he was.
People say that hindsight is 20/20. I worried that when I looked back to lament and remember all of my interactions with you I’d be filled with regret…but as I look back I find myself laughing and smiling at all our interactions. You are a loving, unforgettable, and simply magnificent person. We all miss you Dom. I wish you could see the full impact you had on everyone. Dear God. Please help the Pettey family as they go through this horrible loss, and help them look at the good that will come out of it, and help them look at all the good moments of his life and all of the happy and joyful moments and help them forget about and not remember him from that one night of the crash, but help them and all his family and friends look at the great moments of his life so when they think about him they aren’t saddened by his death, but happy that he lived such a great one. Help PJ so he can make a speedy recovery and come back stronger. Help him, Danny, Sean, and Andrew so they can look past that horrible night and help them look toward the future, and help them deal with everything they are going through. Dom. You were an amazing friend. I miss you and will remember you forever. I’m especially going to miss all the times you came over. I still have your hat, and I still don’t forgive you for what you did on my trampoline… (classic Dom) Rest easy in heaven. Everything this year is for you! Love you my other brother #11inheaven #RIPDom #Prayersfordom #50in07 Domo. I have missed you at the breakfast table these past mornings. I have nobody to talk to about how last night’s reading made absolutely no sense. It has been weird without your daily energetic greeting. I miss it bud. Hope you’re having a saucey time up there. I love and miss you. Can’t wait til our next talk.
There was never a moment in my experiences with Dom where he didn’t make me chuckle or at the least smile. He constantly kept a happy demeanor no matter what the circumstance. If you needed to be cheered up in any way, then Dom would always whip out a one-liner that would smack a smile on anyone’s face. I wish I would have taken the time to get to know you better as a real person and a friend, instead of just judging your cover and putting you in a box. You were more than that, only now do I realize it. Strength. Soon, emotions will flood you. But for now, just sit surrounded by 900 brothers.
Dom loved life more than any of us did. It seems unfair that someone who treasured each day so much is the one to lose his whole future. We have to use every day of our lives to do everything that Dom will never be able to do. For the rest of the year – the rest of our lives – everything we do is for Dom. Every game we win, every breath we take, our graduation; everything is for him. I love you brother. We all do. Kairos was a special time for us Dom. We are brothers through Gonzaga, brothers through Kairos, and one day I hope we can be brothers in heaven. Dom-o, you will be missed, and I’ll live the fourth for us both. Dom. Despite the countless hours I’ve spent thinking about you and praying with you, I am still at a loss for words. People say that “the things you do on Earth echo in eternity” and you exemplify that astoundingly. Every day, I see you working your influence through the Gonzaga community and I can honestly say you’ve shown me what it takes to truly be a Gonzaga man. Never again will I take life for granted; I’m going to treat every shift as if it was my last bro. For you. I’ll never take advantage of the unique brotherhood Gonzaga offers, because your radiant and optimistic personality made Gonzaga what it is today. Every time I step on the pitch, give me the strength to be able to play through adversity and to play to my absolute potential. Thinking of you while I play really helps me when I’m lacking motivation. I have so much more to say but I have to wrap this up but I think you already know what I’m gonna say man. I miss you beyond comprehension and I love you so much. Please watch over me and the rest of the Gonzaga community. Rest in peace brother. Phil Freshman year, every day at lunch, Dom would come to my table and insist that Mr. Davis was back. He swore so insistently that we believed him on several occasions. Mr. Davis never came back, but Dom became forever associated in my mind with him. Now, Dom’s never coming back either. I wish his death was just another one of those pranks he loved to pull. The world needs more loveable pranksters. Now we’re one more short. “Hey Dom if only I could skate I would be sick at hockey” (an insult to any hockey player) “Yea, and if I could run I’d be sweet at track” “Dom, I’m telling you, I would dangle, snipe, celly on you all day” “Haha, I bet you would” “Alright, maybe not in real life, but on NHL I know I could” “I don’t know man” “They don’t call me Mikey Toedrag for nothing” “Haha, they just don’t call you that at all” “I concede” “Why do you play hockey?” “Isn’t it obvious, for the girls” Miss you Dom, love you as a brother God. Please keep this spirit alive, not just in memory of Dom. The way the senior class came together like a community was the exact reason I wanted to attend Gonzaga. I also want to pray for PJ and a quick recovery. I miss you, and I miss Dom too. Both of you are in my prayers, now and forever. Amen. Sekour Mason, your class leader for life! I will always remember Dom’s jovial smile, welcoming presence, and everlasting love for his favorite sport: hockey. Never did I see him without a smile on his face, and never did he object to the needs of those who surrounded him. And that hair. Everybody knows about the mullet-like flow that sat atop his head and glided with every subtle motion or stride in the hallway. Those are the things I recall the most about Dom, but what surpasses this has been the response of the community. The brotherhood here at Gonzaga has collaborated with the sisterhoods at Visitation and Holy Cross, as well as our rival families at Georgetown Prep, Bishop Ireton, O’Connell, and Centreville. Dom’s impact will always reside here on Eye Street, but will reign through school communities and lives throughout the area. We love you Dom. #11inHeaven. Derrell Bouknight
Dominik Liam Pettey. Known, Loved...Amen We met on the first day of the summer program, before freshman year began, and right away I knew Dom was a special kid. Throughout the rest of our time at Gonzaga, he constantly reminded me how fun that summer program was, but most of all, he took pride in reminding me that we were each other’s first friends at our new school. Your laughter and energy will be sorely missed, and I continue to take pride in being your first friend at Gonzaga. Love you Dom, Tommy Pitts ‘15
Dear Dom. I hope you are having fun in heaven right now. From what I’ve heard it’s supposed to be pretty cool. Just wanna let you know that everyone down here is rooting for you. We miss you. We love you. It will never be the same without your beautiful smile and sweet hair to greet us in the hallways and Franklin Lot. It’s nice to know we’ve got you looking down on us. If we have our way, you’ll even see us 3-peat the hockey championship for you. In case you haven’t gotten the memo, you were so cool they had to move your funeral to the National Shrine to hold all of us who mourn for you. Love you brother. Jack Penny There are many things I could say about Dom even though I was not good friends with him. How to describe him? Dom always had that sly smile on his face before he would say or do something comical. Whenever anyone saw that smile, they started smiling themselves because Dom was a truly hilarious person. He brightened up a room whenever he walked in, and the classes I had with him will never quite be the same without him there. Dom had an essence that will, without a doubt, be missed within the Gonzaga community and for that matter by all who knew him. Dom loved his friends and family, and Dom loved Gonzaga. Gonzaga is proud and grateful for the time he spent here and for the mark he left on his classmates, teammates, and teachers. Dom had, for sure, become a man for others during these last couple of years. I am so sad to see Dom go, and he will be dearly missed. Dom was a very genuine person, and that is a word I use very rarely. Knowing that Dom is in a better place fills me with ease. After having previously gone on Kairos, my relationship with God has been fortified. Unfortunately, it took the passing of one of my classmates for me to realize how much I underappreciate those relationships I have with my friends and family. I can honestly say that because of Dom, I have learned to be grateful for my life and all of its fruits. For this I love Dom. Life, while it is so precious, can be lost so easily. It is only now that I have come to know my new self, a self that strives to love everything and everyone. Because, in the end, love is all that matters. Because of Dom, I am the man for others I never had the courage to become. I love you Dom. Griffin Morché Dom was one heck of a kid. Some of you younger guys may not have known him, but I’m sure you have heard a lot about him. It wasn’t that he was the smartest or the brightest, rather it was that he was “Dom,” he was always himself and that’s what made him so special and why he is missed so much. As a community, we will never be the same but that’s only because we got the chance to know and love Dom. He was and always will be a friend, a son, a brother, an Eagle. Ben Forde ‘15
During my grandmother’s funeral last spring, the priest, in his homily, spoke about how to best celebrate and remember my grandmother. He told us that in order to do so, you have to take a unique quality that we saw in her, and express this quality in our own lives. I would like to do the same for Dom. What I saw best in Dom, such as his happiness, his spirit, and his humor, is what I want to continue and give back to the community. I firmly believe that this process would best honor Dom while still helping heal the community of Gonzaga. Dom’s spirit lives on through the brotherhood of Gonzaga. If I say that I am Catholic, then I must believe that Dom is in a better place now. It was your will that he be called to you. I just don’t know why. O God, I ask not that we seek understanding, for we can never know, but instead that you grant us acceptance. Acceptance so that we can heal, then as one, we continue on so that we all might be one with Dom, again, with you. Eagles Fly High Dear Dominik. I wish you were there on Monday, all of the seniors got together on the fly and had a huge celebration in your honor. You are a great guy and you will always inhabit a small part of my heart. Your carefree nature and genuinely happy soul exuded a certain warmth that I don’t even think you realized you did. I miss you and all I want to do is give you one last bear hug. I’m praying for your family and close friends as well as for you so that your legacy will result in a positive change in our Gonzaga community and all of the communities you were a part of. Rest in Peace. I love you Big Guy! #11inheaven #DOMday I taught Dominik 3 years, I taught Nicholas 3 years also, the same years. Last year, I had Nicholas in 6th period and Dominik in 7th. Over 3 years, I saw the 2 of them every week, 5 days a week. After that much time, my students are not just students, they are my boys, I see them grow up and I love them dearly. Dominik’s class last year was very small, 5 of them, they called themselves the Fab 5 and they were fabulous. Fabulously entertaining. It was a special class, a special time to know them better. Dominik made a presentation on Vietnam, Nam as he called it. He cut the body of Rambo and pasted his face on it, I kept his project, it was too funny not to. Because of this project, we called him Dombo! Every day he would leave the classroom and say Aujourd’hui Madame. Aujourd’hui means today, not good bye but he said it anyway, everyday, enough that the Fab 5 started to say the same thing, our private joke. I can’t believe I lost one of my Fab 5. I took pictures of him last Thursday in his Halloween costume, part camouflage, part giant muppet. That’s Dominik for you, happy and funny. I miss that smile, I miss his jokes and his constant goodhumor. Aujourd’hui Dominik. Madame
I would ask myself, “Is this a serious question, or is he just trying to get me off topic?” But I couldn’t resist, Dom was irrepressible and his questions and comments would get me going. He had a habit of bouncing his leg up and down. It was a habit of my dad’s. Another way in which he unknowingly endeared himself to me. His love for his Gonzaga brothers was palpable. His kindness and gentle spirit were beautiful. How does one so gentle become such a competitor on the ice? Students often don’t know how deeply they touch their teachers. Dom, I give thanks to God that I was gifted with your presence in my class, but even more, in my life. Carol Corgan Dom was a fine guy, gone too soon, though not for us to question. We miss him. We will not forget. He will always be telling us: Today is the best day! RICK CANNON