Laurence Dominiak

Laurence (Larry) Raymond Dominiak
November 20, 1937 – July 29, 2026

Laurence (Larry) Raymond Dominiak, a devoted husband, proud father and decorated U.S. Navy Veteran passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, at the age of 88.

Larry was born on November 20, 1937, in Kankakee, Illinois, to Raymond and Dorothy (Carlson) Dominiak. The oldest of three children, he was the protective, teasing older brother to two younger sisters, Patricia and Lynn, who he loved dearly. Later, his family moved to Los Angeles where he attended high school in Glendale, California.

An exceptional athlete, Larry became a basketball standout at Glendale Junior College. He later would attend Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington on a basketball scholarship before transferring to San Jose State to complete a bachelor’s degree in business.

During his final year of college, Larry was accepted into the U.S. Navy’s prestigious Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) Program, earning his commission. He attended flight training in Pensacola, Florida, where he qualified as a helicopter pilot and met the love of his life, Bonnie Ellen Hall, who was also serving in the U.S. Navy. The two were wed on September 21, 1960, beginning a beautiful journey of sixty-five years together.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Navy for twenty-five years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Much of his career was spent in San Diego, California with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, flying both the SH-3 Sea King and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters in anti-submarine warfare, amphibious operations, search and rescue, and logistics missions.

During the Vietnam War, he completed two deployments, flying crucial supply missions into Da Nang and supporting final evacuation operations as the war ended. Larry also participated in the nation’s early space program as part of the Navy recovery task force for an unmanned Apollo mission. From 1972 to 1975, Larry served as a Navy recruiter in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he became involved with the Cincinnati Reds organization and fondly recalled meeting baseball legends Pete Rose and Johnny Bench.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Larry earned his master’s degree in business from National University, and started a ten-year career at General Dynamics, supporting the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Program before retiring in 1996.

Larry and Bonnie made their home in Chula Vista, California, where they raised their three boys, Scott, Chris, and Robert for thirty-six years. In 1997, they moved to Hornbrook, California, alongside their lifelong friends, the Grissens. Together, they built their dream home overlooking the valley beneath Mount Shasta. There they enjoyed rafting the Klamath River, boating, traveling in their motorhome, and hosting vibrant family gatherings. Although he joked that he never quite mastered the game, Larry also loved golfing with friends, valuing the fellowship as much as the score. He and Bonnie would escape the cold winters in Northern California by wintering in Yuma, Arizona, where they established beautiful, lifelong friendships. In 2022, they moved to Smithville, Missouri, to be closer to their great-grandchildren.

While Larry was proud of his military service, he was most proud of his family. A quiet, humble man, he led by example rather than by words. He was patient, kind, quick-witted, and always
willing to listen. His sons grew up hearing his witty advice: “Think before you speak, son.” His sense of humor was never far behind, and he often affectionately referred to his boys as his “Polacks” (a reference to his strong Polish heritage), a nickname delivered with a smile that always reminded them never to take themselves or life too seriously.

Larry was a devoted husband who faithfully supported Bonnie through every chapter of their life together. He was equally dedicated to his sons, always putting his family’s needs ahead of his own. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his children compete in sports, a passion that later extended to cheering on his grandchildren. He and Bonnie frequently planned their travels around their grandchildren’s sports seasons, travelling thousands of miles and often staying for months just to see them play, creating memories that will be treasured for generations.

Larry will be remembered for his quiet strength and resilience, integrity, generosity, unwavering love for his family, and steadfast service to his country. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy Dominiak. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly sixty-five years, Bonnie Dominiak; his children, Scott Dominiak (Donna), Chris Dominiak (Sue Ellen), and Robert Dominiak (Michelle); his grandchildren, Amie Graybill (Logan), Joseph Dominiak, Sierra Dominiak, Cheyenne Dominiak, Luke Dominiak, Haley Sue Dominiak, and Jeremiah Dominiak; his great-grandchildren, William, Norah, Harrison, and Isaac Graybill; and his sisters, Patricia Leach (Tom) and Lynn Beckley (Patrick).

The family will host a Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15th at Southside Baptist Church, 350 NE Amory Rd Smithville, MO.