Trending
Dominick (Nick) Siracuse passed away on September 12, 2026, in Wellington, Florida, after a long, valiant battle with dementia. He was the son of the late Joseph and Phyllis Siracuse of Dunkirk, New York. He was born on May 26, 1954 and was raised in Dunkirk, where he attended Holy Trinity and Dunkirk High School. Dom had a special gift for creativity in graphic arts and enrolled in art classes at SUNY Fredonia briefly after secondary school.
From an early age, Dom had a passion and interest in the entertainment field, particularly comedy. In the 1970s he studied for and obtained an FCC broadcast license and gained employment as a disc jockey for radio stations in both Dunkirk and Fredonia. He created much of his own content for his radio shows. Friends recall the humor he interjected over the air, which was appreciated more by his audience than his station manager at times.
The 1980s brought Dom the opportunity to meet comedian David Brenner after a SUNY Fredonia performance. Backstage, he presented David with sample pages of his comedy material. Shortly after, David hired him as a freelance writer for his stand-up comedy shows across the country. Dom worked from home and submitted material to David on a regular basis. David was pivotal in expanding Dom’s exposure to professional comedy writing.
In 1986, Dom moved to New York City and became a staff writer for David Brenner’s variety television show “Nightlife.” The show ended a year later and Dom returned home to pursue an interest in becoming a stand-up comic. He attended weekly open-mic sessions at comedy clubs in the Buffalo area and polished his act. Over a period of thirty years, he was hired by comedy clubs and performed at public and private events across New York, Pennsylvania, and Canada. Dom was invited several times by Canadian television celebrity Ben Guyatt as a guest co-host for his show, “Cooking with Comics,” in the 1990s.
Dom’s comedic talent and New York connections also opened the door to employment opportunities with two West Coast late-night television shows hosted by Rick Dees and Arsenio Hall. He lived and worked in Los Angeles in the early 1990s as a television writer and simultaneously frequented comedy clubs, performing on open-mic nights.
After the West Coast experience, Dom made the decision to settle close to home in Fredonia, New York. He began writing comedy remotely and after a period of freelance writing for Jay Leno, he became a staff writer for “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” By this time, Dom was married and raising a family. He had two young children under his daily care and somehow managed to write and email his scripts to Jay in time for the evening shows. During this period, he also completed some freelance work for comedian and actor Norm Macdonald.
Dom’s notable talent had become more widely recognized during the 1990s. This led to the opportunity to open shows for the musical group Chicago and rock-and-roll singer Little Richard at the former Melody Fair in North Tonawanda, New York.
The Montreal Comedy Festival, Just for Laughs, also invited Dom to write for its weeklong gathering and comedy performances. It was there that he made many more professional connections and friendships.
Dom’s longstanding relationship with David Brenner continued over the years, and Brenner later asked Dom to write for his Las Vegas HBO special, “Back with a Vengeance.” There was a week of preparation and the show aired live in early 2000.
Recognizing Dom’s artistic talent, David Brenner also requested his assistance in illustrating his humorous book, “Revenge Is the Best Exercise.” Brenner also included a comical account of Dom’s first visit to New York City in his other book, “Soft Pretzels with Mustard.” The chapter is titled, “The Man from Fredonia.”
During this time, Dom was also employed by American Greetings as a graphic artist and writer for its line of witty cards. Family and friends always looked forward to receiving handmade, personalized cards from him for birthdays and holidays.
Locally, Dom established a connection with the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, New York, performing his comedy act in the Tropicana Room. He entertained senior citizens arriving by bus for lunch and a bit of humor. He also provided laughter for local fundraisers, hotel events, nightclubs, fire department banquets, class reunions, private parties, and the 1891 Fredonia Opera House.
Many of Dom’s jokes and creative talents originated from growing up in a large Italian family alongside his five siblings. He attended Catholic school as a youth and often had many stories and jokes about his experiences at school, goofing off with his siblings and cousins, and giving his parents a run for their money.
Dom was gregarious and fun-loving. He participated in sports during his younger years, including playing pitcher for several Dunkirk adult softball teams. As friends and family recall, he played for Pizza Kings, Lakeshore Janitorial, The American Legion Post 62, King’s Tavern, Dan’s Moving and Storage, and The Lakeside Club. He also played basketball for King’s Kitchen Windows and Doors and was a member of the Dunkirk Lakeside Club. He livened up weekend golf outings with close friends and never missed a Saturday morning coffee meet-up with the guys.
Dom held a very special place in his heart for his granddaughter, Alanna, whom he cared for daily from infancy until she began school. Alanna brought a sense of joy, love, and humor to his life from the moment she was born, and he loved her deeply.
Dom leaves behind his wife, Debra (Farina) Siracuse; daughters Kayla Tedone (partner, Steve Jedynak) and Danielle Siracuse (fiancé, TJ Bowler); son David Siracuse (partner, Alexandra Nowzamani); and granddaughter Alanna Tedone. He is also survived by his siblings Anthony (Bonnie) Siracuse, Gracia Dimmer, Joseph (Sue) Siracuse, LuAnne (Jay) Gilman, and Susan (Mike) Colston. In addition, he is survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Frances Farina, and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy and Brad Dietzen. He will be greatly missed by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Dom’s family would like to extend a special thank-you to his longtime friends and colleagues, Ross Abrash and Rob Lederman, for helping advance Dom’s comedy career, maintaining a close connection, and sharing many laughs and memories over the years.
Dom will be remembered best by his loved ones for his quirky personality, carefree spirit, endless jokes, and love for oldies classics and dancing. The twinkle in his eye reflected his playful spirit, warmth, and the joy he found in making others smile and laugh.
A celebration of Dom’s vibrant life will be held in early April 2027. An announcement regarding the time and place is forthcoming. Arrangements were made through Atlantis Cremations of Pompano Beach, Florida.