Community
8 October, 2026
‘Undisputed icon’
RETIRED shopkeeper, businessman, photographer and Rotarian Domenico ‘Dom’ Magnanini was described as “the undisputed icon of Innisfail’ at his funeral in the town last week.
Mr Magnanini died last month aged 81 and it was standing room only in the Good Counsel Catholic Church last Thursday for his farewell.
Friend Philip Vecchio, who delivered the eulogy, said Mr Magnanini was born on 10 January 1945, to Arista and Quintilia, “parents you adored, they blessed Innisfail with the decision to settle here, setting up that familiar business in Eda Street, with a few name changes later on, becoming part of life here for generations”.
“The loss of your dad, who you idolised when you were 13, made you the man of the family there and then,” he said.
“Both cementing your role in the business and the exemplary son that you were to your beautiful mother, which continued to the very end of her life.
“You drove a car long before you were old enough to have a license. The police knowing that you had to do that to keep your family afloat.
“Your best decision was your foresight and great sense to marry Marilena, a wonderful wife to you, your 55-year marriage rightly gaining the admiration of many.
“Your own family followed and your wish for your kids to be close was achieved with Milva, born in February 1973, and Mark in March 1974.
“The way your eyes and face lit up to those children never changed from the day they were born to the present.
“Infinitely proud of everything they were and did, giving wise encouragement and bottomless love for them all.”
Mr Vecchio said his friend “had time for everyone, could be relied upon for anything that was asked of you and you were especially known for your great talent in collecting stray souls who would somehow come into your life than easily committing to fast, long friendships”.
“So, Domenico was the centrepiece of Innisfail.
“You looked after your customers amazingly, whether they’d pinch something or not. Your generosity spoke by saying they must have needed it more than you did.
“Your kids grew up in that shop – such were the hours that you worked. But you and Mary never forgot the importance of being great parents.
“You even managed to have some wonderful family holidays, both in Australia and overseas. I remember that Green Island and Hamilton Island were special, happy places for you.
“You photographed more happy memories than anyone else I know. Both familiar cameras and flashes always within arm’s reach. When video cameras arrived, one immediately appeared on your shoulder.
“As you did not have enough on your plate, you served as a Rotarian and then as president, hosted countless international exchange students and were later honoured by being awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship.
“You are the undisputed icon of Innisfail and all who know you. Your generosity, warmth, and humour are you all over.
“But you also became the weight loss ambassador for North Queensland, marching a flock of disciples in a parade up the street, even appearing on TV, fame and notoriety added to your portfolio.
“Parties at your place, especially the way that you and Mary welcomed in the new year, remain legendary.
“You got right into every celebration, highlighted by spectacular Easter displays in the shop and an unequalled Christmas spirit later on.
“We are all left with an impossible loss. Yet God’s recent decision and timing were perfect.
“This is not goodbye, Dom, but many happy returns to countless wonderful times that each and every one of us remembers, treasures, and smiles about.
“If life’s best achievement is the love of others as you have it, the gold medal is yours.
“Thank you, Dom, for including us in your wonderful life – and thank you for you.”
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