Dominic John Cagliostro

Dominic John Cagliostro, 83, died unexpectedly on September 17, 2026, while overseas in Italy visiting a dear friend. Italy was a place he loved deeply and where he felt a strong connection to his heritage, making it especially meaningful that he was there at the time of his passing.

Born on April 27, 1943, Dominic’s educational journey began at Our Lady of Angels, his grammar school, followed by Brooklyn Technical High School. He went on to attend college at Pratt Institute, where he studied engineering while participating in a work-study program at the Brooklyn Navy Yard to help offset the cost of his tuition. His dedication and hard work continued as he pursued graduate studies at Yale University, earning both his master’s degree and PhD in mechanical engineering. Dominic was a man of remarkable intelligence and determination whose accomplishments were matched by his character, humor, and generosity.

After completing his education, Dominic built a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer first at the Stanford Research Institute in Menlo Park, California, and then at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Even after retirement, he continued working as a contractor, reflecting the dedication and commitment that marked his professional life. Throughout his career, he demonstrated intelligence, perseverance, and commitment that defined his professional accomplishments.

Above all, Dominic will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished brother, and a proud pop. Always a gentleman and a man of integrity, and someone with a wonderful sense of humor. He was a gifted storyteller who loved sharing his experiences, offering thoughtful advice, and supporting the people he cared about.

He had a way of making people laugh, making them feel welcome, and making even an ordinary gathering memorable.

He embraced life and found joy in so many things. He loved traveling, cooking Italian food, enjoying dim sum, and gathering with family and friends around a good meal. He especially loved the thrill of auto-cross and go-kart racing, pursuits that brought him tremendous excitement and happiness. In the week before his passing, he was in New York visiting family and friends, enjoying good meals, sharing plenty of laughs, and, of course, go-karting, where he had the best performance of anyone there. Just days later, while in Italy, he was once again enjoying wonderful food, laughter, and the thrill of being back on the go-kart track.

It seems fitting that he spent his final days traveling, connecting with people he loved, sharing meals and laughter, and doing something that brought him so much joy. He approached life with enthusiasm and a genuine appreciation for the experiences and people that made each day special. His many adventures and travels with family and friends created memories that will be treasured for generations and serve as a reminder of how precious our time together truly is.

Dominic’s greatest pride and joy was his family. His beloved wife, Mae, was the love of his life. After her passing in 2012, he missed her every single day. The loss of his wife was something he carried with him, but he continued to make the most of each day. He traveled, pursued his passions, spent time with the people he loved, shared meals and laughter, and continued to find happiness in the world around him. He never stopped missing Mae, but he showed those around him that it is possible to carry deep sorrow while still embracing life. Perhaps this is one of the most important lessons Dominic leaves behind. As his family now faces the profound grief of losing him, they can look to his example.

He showed us that even when our hearts are broken, we must keep going; seek out the things that bring us joy, cherish the people beside us, and make the most of the days we are given. Just as he missed Mae every day, we will miss him every day too. His example reminds us that love and grief are lasting, but so is the possibility of finding joy again.

Dominic is survived by his daughter, Donna Rusch, of Chandler, Arizona, and her husband, Tony, and their children, Dominic Rusch and his wife, Paige; Anthony Rusch and his wife, Hayley; Gianna Rusch; and Vincent Rusch. He is also survived by his son, Dominic Cagliostro, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and his wife, Hilda; and his daughter, Gina Jorgenson, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, and her husband, Justin, and their children, Haiden Jorgenson and Ensley Jorgenson.

He is also survived by his brothers, Larry Cagliostro and his wife, Rosemary, and Leo Cagliostro and his wife, Leslie, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family was central to Dominic’s life, and he took great pride in the family he and Mae built together and the generations who will carry their legacy forward.

Dominic was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mae, and his parents, Anna and Leo Cagliostro.

Dominic lived a life marked by achievement, integrity, humor, and love. 

Please join the Cagliostro family on Saturday, October 24th, 2026 and for a rotating, informal visitation (closed casket) at the Los Alamos Branch of Rivera Family Funeral Home (1627 A Central Ave) between12- 2 pm. A simple graveside ceremony will occur at 2:30 pm at Guaje Pines Cemetery, followed by dinner, drinks and memories at 5 pm at the Los Alamos Golf Course Community Room.