Miguel Angel Dominguez Grau's Obituary
Miguel A. Dominguez (84) passed away peacefully on October 13th, 2024, with his family lovingly by his side. His year-long battle with multiple illnesses has finally come to a close. May he rest in peace.
Born in 1940 to Ana Maria “Maruca” and Erasmo Dominguez, in Guantanamo, Cuba, Miguel was one of 3 brothers and 1 adopted sister in the Dominguez household. Equipped with a sharp mind and an eagerness to learn, he left Cuba to study Mechanical Engineering in Gdansk, Poland. It was there that Miguel’s intellect and breath-taking smile charmed the love of his life, Jadwiga. Shortly thereafter, Jadwiga and Miguel married, beginning a journey that lasted 55 years together.
After the birth of their first child, Dariusz “Alek” Dominguez, they knew they wanted a life free of oppression. Miguel vowed to find a way to safely escape communism, searching for employment that could help pave that way to freedom. After 4 years away from his beloved wife and son, he finally got the chance. While working on a fishing vessel docked in Cape Town, South Africa, Miguel walked off the boat with a few hours left of shore leave and went to the nearest embassy. The British embassy was closed, and thanks to a kind Englishman reading the paper on the porch, he was pointed to the American Embassy where he applied for and was granted political asylum. The small family was joyfully reunited in 1974 in California. The youngest member of the family, Alina, was born just a few years later.
Miguel had an analytical mind, which could pull up capitals of hundreds of countries, easily calculate any mathematical problem, or simply crush you in a game of dominos. His warm smile and easy charm could light up a room and make anyone feel comfortable. Miguel proudly marked countries he visited on a map at home. Whether for work or vacation with his family, he loved connecting with people from around the world. Miguel spoke 4 languages fluently and could have small conversations in a handful of others. He was a lover of Geography and world cultures, often guessing people’s backgrounds by just their accents. Miguel also loved music and the arts, taking his family to concerts and symphonies whenever possible. One would often hear a wide variety of music emanating from the speakers, from Flamenco to Classical music, and just about everything in between. His love for travel, music, and the arts are shared with his family.
Miguel is survived by his wife, Jadwiga, his son Dariusz “Alek”, daughter in law Tayra, daughter Alina, grandchildren Jordan, Rohan, Michael, and Victoria, and adopted sister Egla and her family. He will be missed dearly.
A memorial will be held at the Memorial Plan Westchester Funeral Home on Friday October 25th. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Please contact the family for more information.
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