Remembering Dominick Martino

On 22 October we celebrated the life of nature photographer and extraordinary Paynes Prairie volunteer Dominick Martino with a moving service at the Visitor Center. At the memorial service many asked about a lasting memorial somewhere on the Prairie.

While it is still too soon to make firm decisions about a permanent memorial, it is certainly appropriate to think about it, to discuss ideas, and most importantly to make financial contributions toward the construction of a fitting memorial. A contribution of any amount would be both appropriate and appreciated.

If you wish to help preserve the memory of Dominick Martino, please send your contributions to the Friends of Paynes Prairie, Inc., 100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667, indicating that the gift is in memory of Dominick. Contributions can also be make online. Friends is a 501(c)(3) corporation, and donations are deductible from your taxable income to the extent allowed by law.

Dominick Martino, Paynes Prairie Volunteer Photographer and Teacher

Visit his website of stunning Paynes Prairie images -
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"With my camera I hope to show how important our environment is for all life and how every species has a purpose."

Dominick Martino died Saturday 17 October at Haven Hospice in Gainesville. Dominick, Paynes Prairie's volunteer Photographer in Residence, was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1940, the son of Seraphino and Concetta Martino. His father was a photographer, and inspired young Dominick to follow in his footsteps, teaching him how to work in a darkroom developing pictures. He attended the New York Institute of Photography, and in 1962 started a career as a photographer doing weddings on the weekends, and crime scenes during the week. In 1972 he became a photojournalist for a communications news group in New Jersey.

In 2003 Dominick retired from photojournalism, and he and his wife Maureen headed south to Gainesville. Discontented with a quiet retirement, he looked around the Gainesville area for something to occupy his talents, and soon discovered the beauty and ever-changing nature of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Dominick was one of those rare individuals who find a truly rewarding second career in retirement. Devoting his time and talent exclusively to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, he captured countless stunning photographs of wildlife and scenery. His pictures of Paynes Prairie have been published nationally, bringing fame and admiration to Alachua County. His work has raised significant funds for projects at the Preserve and attracted many new members of the Friends of Paynes Prairie, Inc. Dominick was also a member of the Gainesville Fine Arts Association, and won countless awards for his work.

Dominick had no formal education in the life sciences. But he had the mind of a scholar, and when he took a picture of a plant or animal he didn't know, he brought the picture to a botanist or zoologist for identification. He devoted much time to research, becoming a self-taught naturalist. Within a couple of years he was expert at the identification of plants, animals, fish, and, a special interest, butterflies. Dom generously gave of his time and knowledge by serving as a volunteer interpreter on the Prairie's trails, at the visitor center, weekly at the downtown Farmers Market, and at numerous outreach events and festivals throughout the region. His generous nature prompted him to share his pictures with visitors and locals, helping them to understand the importance of the Preserve and its 21,000 acres of wilderness. He spent endless hours teaching members of the public about the wonders of Paynes Prairie and the natural world which surrounds Gainesville.

Martino is survived by his wife Maureen of 47 years, and three daughters Karen Duerig, Sandra Martino, Deborah Stanton, his brother Costantino Martino, and seven grandchildren.

Dom exemplified the patience and observational acuity that nature and wildlife photography demands. His motto,"With my camera I hope to show how important our environment is for all life and how every species has a purpose."