Dominick Peter Elia

Dominick Peter Elia of Middletown, N.Y., died on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017. He was 89.
Son of Dominick Elia and Concetta Gesualdo, he was born and raised in Middletown.
He retired from Goshen Central School in 1990, where he was chair of the Business Education Department. He taught business for 32 years.
He was a graduate of Middletown High School. He had an Associate of Science Degree from Orange County Community College, a Masters of Business Education, and an Administrator’s Certificate from the State University at Albany. He belonged to several teachers’ organizations, including the Goshen Teachers Association, the New York State Retired Teachers Association, and the New York State United Teachers.
He and his wife, Helen, taught social ballroom dancing in the Continuing Education Department at Orange County Community College (OCCC) for 30 years. The students called him “dancing man.” He was a member and first president of the OCCC Association.
He was a founding member of the OCCC learning in retirement organization, Encore. He served for many years on the Encore Steering Committee.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was very proud to have served in the military. He was a recipient of a national defense service medal.
A family statement read: "He was the ultimate gentleman who was extremely kind and considerate. He had a fine sense of humor and a gentleness that served him well in all situations."
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Helen; his nieces, Michelle Hagerty, Donna Elia and Annette Carpenter; and great-nieces; and a great-nephew.
He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brothers: Anthony Elia and Russell Elia, and nephew, Dominick "Donny" Elia.
At his request, there will be no visitation, and funeral arrangements will be private.
Burial will be in the Orange County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Goshen.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.