Dominic Daveta
1944 - 2026
Dominic Daveta was born on July 25, 1944 , the oldest child and only son of Anthony and Civita (Scurini) Daveta, whose families had originated in Terracina, Italy and settled in East Cambridge.
Dominic met his lifelong love, Laura Lima of Cambridge, in the fifth grade. They started dating as teens and married on June 18, 1966. They raised two sons, Chris and Jeff.
Dominic was immensely proud of his family and those around him. He cared deeply for the people in his life and they cared deeply for him. His quiet, thoughtful manner belied a sly humor and a sense of fun. He said he loved becoming part of his wife’s family because when they were together they never stopped laughing. He liked dogs, shooting pool, swimming, dancing, being at the Cape, and making pizza for his family on Friday nights.
Dominic was filled with a restless curiosity from a young age. He was fascinated with the American space program. He read about science and watched science TV programs for most of his life. Out of curiosity and necessity, he learned to repair many of his vehicles. His two favorite magazines were Popular Science and Popular Mechanics.
A designer to his core, Dominic constantly created things and worked with his hands. He made play structures for his boys. He renovated the kitchens and bathrooms in his own house more than once. He developed an interest in making stained glass, producing mirrors, jewelry boxes and other items he would give to friends or display at home. The family upheld traditions of apple picking and visiting Western Massachusetts to select and cut a Christmas tree every year.
Dominic developed his creative talents starting from an early age. He attended Cambridge public schools through high school at Rindge Tech, where he studied mechanical drafting, graduating in 1962. He studied at Wentworth College, received an associate’s degree in architectural engineering technology in 1964, began working in architectural firms as a draftsman, and in 1968 enrolled at the Boston Architectural Center. Upon completing the B.A.C. program he became a registered Architect.
In 1974 Dominic began working full-time with his brother-in-law George Lima, forming G&D Excavators where he put his training to use designing and excavating building and house foundations. As an owner and operator of excavators and dump trucks, he entered Boston’s heavy equipment operators union. During the slower winter months, the partners launched a snow removal business, building a client list of commercial properties in and around Boston. Later, Dominic and his sons opened a similar business that still operates under Jeff’s ownership.
In 1981 he returned to architectural practice, joining Salemi Architects of Everett and, four years later, opening his own firm, Daveta Associates Architects. He practiced in the Boston area until his retirement in 2015.
At the age of 42 Dominic took an interest in running and as was his way he began by reading about it before doing it. Soon he joined the Somerville Road Runners, taking part in the regular Thursday night race at Khoury’s Spa in East Somerville. He would eventually travel all over New England to run in races including marathons. His most cherished athletic accomplishments were completing several Boston Marathons (including the 100th anniversary) and participating for almost twenty years in the Falmouth Road Race, including a memorable run in 2019 alongside his two grandsons.
Dominic was predeceased by his two younger sisters, Shirley (Mrs. Anthony) Poleo of Medford and Elaine (Mrs. Alan) Nathan of Cambridge. He is survived by Laura, his beloved wife of 60 years; Chris D’Aveta, Maria Daniels, and their sons Matteo and Sandro D’Aveta; and Jeff Daveta, as well as members of his extended family, all of whom miss him immeasurably.
Visiting hours at the Rogers Funeral Home, 380 Cambridge Street in Cambridge on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
Funeral service in the funeral home in Cambridge on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 11:00 am.
Interment will be at the Cambridge Cemetery.