Dominic G. Decristofaro

Dominic DeCristofaro, MD, renowned cardiologist and longtime resident of Rolling Hills, California, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on February 9, 2024, at the age of 91. Dominic is preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Margaret Young DeCristofaro, his brother, Nicola DeCristofaro, and his parents, Rocco and Lucia DeCristofaro.
Dominic was a proud first-generation American, born to Italian immigrant parents in Chicago, Illinois, where he spent his childhood. He was inspired to become a cardiologist after seeing his older brother suffer complications from rheumatic heart disease. Dominic attended college at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign alongside his fiancé, nursing student Margaret. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict, and he and Margaret married shortly after he returned home. He earned a master’s degree in Biochemistry at the University of California at Berkeley, followed by medical school at Chicago Medical School. He trained as an intern at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, followed by a residency and cardiovascular disease fellowship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Dominic entered private practice in Long Beach at St. Mary Medical Center, where was director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory and helped establish a cardiology training program. During over 40 years in practice, he served St. Mary’s as Chief of Staff, Chair of the Department of Medicine, and as a member of the Board of Directors. He was a Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA, where he taught countless residents and co-authored publications and invited presentations on the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. His commitment to heart disease prevention led to leadership roles with the American Heart Association, which honored him with its prestigious Heart of Gold award in 1998, and at local research institute LA BioMed, which honored his service with its Legend Award in 2008. In addition, Dominic donated countless hours to treasured causes such as the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, where he and Margaret were Trustees and Dominic gave lectures on heart health, and St. Peter’s by the Sea Presbyterian Church, where they served as Elders.
Dominic was as tirelessly dedicated to his family and friends as he was to his career. He was their cornerstone, always ready with a listening ear or encouraging word. There was no one prouder of the accomplishments of his children, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dominic is survived by daughter Susan Rogers (John), of San Diego, son Andrew (Alison) of Rolling Hills, grandchildren Brittany Samis (Jake), Alec Rogers (Carolyn), Catherine and Dominic DeCristofaro, and great-grandchildren Jonah Samis and Raegan Rogers. He also leaves behind nephews Rocco (Debbie), Robert (Vicky) and Nicola (Shelly) DeCristofaro, their nine children and 16 grandchildren, and cousins, Tony (Pina) DeCristofaro, William (Dotty) Tookey and Janet Winters, and their families.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 10 a.m., at St. Peter’s by the Sea Presbyterian Church, 6410 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Interment to follow at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 South Western Ave, also in Rancho Palos Verdes. Friends and family are invited to gather for a celebration of life immediately following the interment. In lieu of flowers the family gratefully requests that donations be made to the DeCristofaro Scholarship Fund at Point Loma Nazarene University, Attn: Kelly Mitchell, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, CA 92106.