Dominic Joseph Taverna II
October 22, 1980 – February 6, 2026
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Dominic Joseph Taverna, born October 22, 1980 in Malden.
Dominic was a man of deep faith, unwavering integrity, boundless love, warmth, compassion, and, above all, humor. From the very first moment you met him, you were drawn to him. A room truly lit up when he walked in. His smile and laughter were infectious, and if you were feeling low, Dominic always knew how to lift your spirits. His faith in God was as strong and steady as he was.
A true soldier, Dominic enlisted in the United States Army in 2003. He proudly served with the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, completing two tours in Iraq. For his bravery and service, he received numerous honors, including the Army Commendation Medal with Valor. He rarely spoke of these achievements, as he believed the true heroes were the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. To his mother and father, however, Dominic was always their hero.
His strong faith carried him through life’s many challenges. Sundays were devoted to church with his sister Andrea, followed by cherished Sunday dinners at his mother’s home. He treasured golfing with his father, where long conversations about life unfolded between swings.
Dominic’s sister Andrea was not only his sibling but his best friend. He considered her husband, Isreal Velez, the brother he never had. The sparkle in Dominic’s eyes shone brightest for his beloved nephew and godchild, Vinny. He delighted in dressing Vinny in Gucci, Polo, and Ralph Lauren, and could never get enough of him—nor Vinny of his Uncle Dom.
Dominic was a proud member of Pipefitters Local 537.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shauna; his mother, Joan, and her husband, Joe Ramage; his father, Dominic, and his wife, Toni Taverna; his sister and best friend, Andrea, her husband, Isreal and their son, Vincent Velez. He also leaves behind his Aunt Janice and Uncle Johnny Christoforo; Aunt Joyce Agri; Uncle Joe Agri and his husband, Riguel; Anthony and Suzanne Taverna; Francesca Marchese; Bert and Assunta Taverna; and many cherished cousins.
Among those especially close to him were: John and Matthew Christoforo; Eddie and Theresa Klosiewicz, Stephanie Siden, Anthony Taverna, John and Andrew Marchese; and Giuliano and Grace Taverna, along with many other beloved cousins. He also loved spending time with the next generation of cousins, always embracing his role as mentor, protector, and friend.
Dominic was predeceased by his grandparents, Santo and Theresa Agri, and Dominic and Grace Taverna.
He was a man of strength, loyalty, and deep devotion to his family. Though our lives will never be the same without him, we find comfort in knowing he is now with our Savior.
Relatives and friends gathered Monday afternoon for visiting hours at the Carafa Family Funeral Home in Chelsea. Dominic’s Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, Feb. 17at St Mary’s Parish in Revere. Services concluded with interment and military honors at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dominic’s memory may be made to Home Base. Those who wish to make a donation online may do so by visiting homebase.org/donate. Once on the page, please indicate that the gift is being made in memory of Dominic Taverna. For those who prefer to mail a check, please make it payable to Home Base and send it to: Home Base, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114. Kindly include Dominic’s name in the memo line.
We encourage family and friends to visit carafafuneralhome.com to offer condolences by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card.