December 20, 2021

Edward F. Domino 1924 - 2021

Edward Felix Domino passed away on November 3, 2021, at the age of 96.  Ed was born in Chicago in 1924 of Polish immigrant heritage. He proudly served in World War II as an Electronic Technician’s Mate First Class on the USS Pittsburgh. He attained degrees from University of Illinois in 1948, 1949 (MS), and 1951 (MD). Since 1953, he had a long and productive scientific career at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, which he called home with his wife Antoinette (“Toni”) F. Domino for 50 years.

 

As a teacher, Ed played a major role in courses for medical and graduate students. He trained many postdoctoral fellows from around the world. His research interests spanned the broad field of neuropsychopharmacology, with its implications in anesthesiology, gerontology, neurology, psychiatry, and toxicology. He viewed psychoactive substances as molecular probes into the human brain.

 

Even after retiring in 2000, Ed never stopped learning as an Active Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology. He could be found in his office every day keeping up to date on current research. He was honored at the University of Michigan with the naming of Edward F. Domino Lecture in Consciousness Science in 2016, the Edward F. Domino Research Professorship in 2017, and the Edward F. Domino Research Center in 2018. When he wasn’t in his office, he was jetting around the world, often taking a family member or friend with him. They will all remember those special trips with him.

 

Ed was preceded in death by Toni in 2002. Also, preceding him in death were his brother James, his son Laurence and his wife Valorie. He is survived by his sister Pat Torres (Tony), sister-in-law Lucy Domino, and his children Karen Domino (Gene), Debra Pulley (Craig), Kenneth Domino (Zarina), and Steven Domino (Karen). He was also blessed with 10 grandchildren: Willa and Noah Brenowitz (Lauren), Deanna, Laurel, and Daniel (Corrine) Domino, Elizabeth Boerckel (Daniel), Alan Pulley, Joseph (Rachael), Alexander, and Eric Domino (Vanessa). He marveled at the recent births of four great grandchildren: Parker and Everett Domino, Asher and Jackson Boerckel. He is also survived by Kathleen Baines, his significant other for 13 years, and her sons Andrew (Jamie) and Brian. He was “Grandpa Ed” to Andrew’s sons Thomas and Anderson Baines.