9/29/30: Very sad news. A wonderful person and good friend, Dom Famularo, passed just the other day. Dom was such an incredible human being. This man was not only a superb drummer, but his efforts to educate and inspire others are legendary. Dom never had a bad word to say about anyone, and he was the kindest and most encouraging person you'd ever meet.

I didn't know Dom as well as many other people, but he and I communicated often. We shared a lot of the same philosophies about great drummers, and loved to share that information with others. I participated in a podcast with Dom where the topic was the great Billy Gladstone. It was fun to do this, and more importantly, it allowed us to share information about yet another great drummer and inventor, Billy Gladstone. This was only one of many examples of Dom's desire to share knowledge and help to educate upcoming generations of drummers. Sadly, I don't think that podcast ever saw the light of day, and Dom's passing gives me a reason to find out why not, and to get it posted.

In May of 2023 Dom called me and told me he really wanted to get together at the Chicago Drum Show. This was actually the first time we ever met in person, and I was quite honored. There is a photo of Dom and I from that show, but I don't have it. (If anyone out there has seen it, please send me a copy). When Dom and I spoke he said he was feeling good and was proud to be standing there cancer free after a year. He still had that wonderful smile and an aura of total "positivity".

I realized during our conversation that a big reason that he wanted to meet in person was to share some things with me. Those things are private, but I can say that I was truly honored to receive such kind and positive words from someone I respected so much.

Sometimes things change in life, whether we want them to or not. This is one instance where we surely did not want there to be a change. But, I think that the best way for all of us to honor Dom is to carry on with what he devoted his life to: Provide education, positive reinforcement and help people find ways to realize their dreams. I'll try to do my part in this regard, and hope you all will do the same.

I would say "rest well my friend", but I suspect Dom would strongly object to the word "rest"! As in his earthly life, Dom's energy and spirit will never "rest", which is a wonderful way to remember him.

Steve