Dominic Richard (Dick) Musa 90 of Boca Raton, Florida passed away on Monday, April 10, 2023 after spending Easter Sunday with his family the previous day.
Dick was predeceased by his parents Dominick and Anna Musa; his sisters Dorothy Marconi, Florence (Pat) Fiorelli, Phyllis (George) Khoury; his brother Robert; the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Patricia Gallagher and their oldest son, Richard Musa. He is survived by his sons Michael Musa, Mark Musa and Denise Redington, and Patrick (Dan) Musa and his wife Susan; 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law George Khoury; his sister-in-law Laura Musa; also several nieces and nephews and cousins.
Dick grew up on the north side of Endicott in a big and loving family. He was a talented swimmer and was approached about swimming at Syracuse University, but he worked to help support his family. He signed up to join the US Army and served during the Korean War. A self taught man, Dick had an understanding of many technical topics including material science and thermal, mechanical, and electrical engineering. He had an impactful 36-year career at IBM, making valuable contributions at the time of the invention of the computer and the design and launching of the Saturn 5 rocket. Dick was nothing short of brilliant.
An intelligent and adept man, his focus was always his family. Dick built their family home in Endicott, and together, he and Pat embarked on the adventure of running the historic Oneida Hotel on Sylvan Beach. After selling the hotel, they settled into the ‘Musa cottage’ in Sylvan Beach and that became ‘home away from home’ and a summer retreat for the family. It was, and still remains after 50-plus years, a beloved family gathering place. The cottage is a testament to the sacrifices Dick and Pat made to create a beautiful life and positive upbringing for a family that was everything to them. Dick, again, being a wise man, took a transfer to Boca Raton while still with IBM, so they were able to enjoy summers at the cottage and winters/school year in Florida! Dick considered the beach home and valued the people and relationships developed there. He lit up telling stories of his life, many of them involving the beach. He had an adventurous spirit. He loved to hunt, skate, ski, boat, and fish. He also loved to cook, and he valued time with his extended family.
Dick was an avid reader, and he loved to learn. He read, and reread, about space, the universe, physics, evolution, genetic biology, and the natural world. Coupled with his intellect, he possessed a great ability to use his hands. He had a passion and talent for woodworking, and he created tables, chairs, clocks, tools, and other whimsical creations, often with intricate designs.
He was selfless, dedicated, hard working, talented, skilled, and humble. Never outspoken, he had a deep understanding of many subjects. Dick will be remembered for his intelligence, his kindness, his humor, his loyalty, and his integrity. He was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, husband, friend, colleague, neighbor, mentor. He had many accomplishments to be proud of in his life, but the one that may have meant the most was marrying Ms. Endicott Johnson. He and Pat created and enjoyed a beautiful life together and have left an incredible legacy behind them.
A service will be held on Thursday, June 29th, 11am at Calvary Cemetery, Mausoleum 1, Johnson City, NY.
