Standardbred owner Dominick ‘Dundee’ Schillace, 82, of Auburn, New York, passed away peacefully March 18 surrounded by his loving family at his home.
Born in Auburn, Dundee was the son of Giuseppe and Pasqualina Greco Schillace and a graduate of Auburn West High School, class of 1951. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956, and was stationed at Sampson Air Force Base. After 33 years of service, Dundee retired from the New York State Department of Corrections in 1990.
Dundee was an exceptional athlete, playing on Auburn’s undefeated football teams of 1950 and 1951. He also played basketball, volleyball, and was voted ‘Best Athlete’ by his class, and awarded a scholastic gold key art award for graphic design.
He was instrumental in forming the Over 40 recreational softball league and played for several years. He later umpired softball for many years at both Lincoln and the Y-Fields. He coached Little League baseball, leading his team to the league championship. He was an avid bowler, hunter, and fisherman. Later in life, Dundee owned numerous trotters at Vernon Downs, several of which were champion racers. He enjoyed bringing friends and family to the track and could always be found having his morning coffee with his crew of friends.
There was nothing Dundee enjoyed more than watching his children, and later his grandchildren, participate in sports. No matter what level they played, whatever city it was played in, or the weather conditions, Dundee was always there. Along with “my wife,” as he affectionately called her, Dundee and Sue could always be found cheering on his children and grandchildren, with Dundee occasionally yelling at a referee or umpire.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Suzanne Walsh Schillace, Dundee is survived by two sons, Joseph, and John and his wife, Renee; four daughters, Patricia Petrosino and her husband, Anthony, Nancy, Elizabeth Petrosino and her husband, Frank, and Carole Baker and her husband, Kevin; nine grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Mark, Jonathan, Joseph, Maria, and Melissa Schillace, and Dominic and Nicholas Petrosino; two sisters, Marjorie Servais and Margaret Renahan; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Dundee was predeceased by a brother, John; a sister, Elizabeth Catto, and twin grandchildren.
Friends are invited to join the family for a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated by the Rev. Louis Vasile at 9 a.m. Saturday in St. Alphonsus Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery where full military honours will be afforded. Calling hours for Dundee will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Cheche Funeral Home Inc., 1778 Clark St., Road, Auburn.
Contributions may be made in memory of Dundee to Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Drive, Auburn, NY 13021.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dominick Schillace.