Domingo Cruz Hipolito

Domingo Hipolito (aka “Tatay” & “Doming” to friends) was born in Concepcion, Tarlac, Philippines in 1938. Domingo was the fifth of nine children of Apolonia de la Cruz and Pepe Jose Hipolito. Around 1945, with the help of his eldest brother Benigno, the five brothers moved to Manila on their own. He worked odd jobs to make a living and pay for his own schooling.

He met his future wife, Dalisay, at Abad Santos High School. Following high school graduation, he attended University of the East in Manila and graduated with a degree in commerce.

He worked at The Manila Chronicle initially in the circulation department and then moved to the accounting department as a machine operator. In 1955, he became a payroll master.

Domingo and Dalisay married on June 8, 1959 and settled in La Loma. They moved to Malabon City in 1963 so Dalisay could help her mother run the family factory making shirts. They had seven children between 1960 and 1970.

In 1973, due to Marshall Law, Domingo immigrated to the U.S., settling in Seattle. He lived in a tiny apartment in the Central District which was walking distance from Providence Medical Center (now the Swedish Cherry Hill campus), where he worked in housekeeping. He also worked part time as an accountant and internal auditor at the Continental Bank (now HomeStreet Bank) in Seattle. He opened a janitorial business with his son Hermie to clean office buildings as a side job.

In 1974, Domingo and Dalisay bought a house in the Beacon Hill area, where they lived with their seven children. They moved to Brier, WA in 1988 and resided there until his passing. Wherever they lived, they opened their home to many relatives and friends. Their home was always a gathering place.

Domingo retired in the late 1990s from Continental Bank. After he retired, Domingo worked at the Roosevelt Hotel as a bellman in order to stay active. One of his favorite pastimes was playing bingo, which he called “school”. Once Nanay retired, they traveled domestically and abroad. They visited Europe, traveled to California and Vegas with friends to name a few. Throughout their retirement, they lived part of the year in the Philippines.

Tatay, as he is known to everyone, always wanted to provide for his family and enjoy life to the fullest. He was a very determined and self-disciplined person. He never wanted to be a burden to others, especially to his children.

Tatay had a goofy side and was always ready to give a photogenic smile. He was a doting grandfather and loved to take care of all of his grandkids. He often babysat and played the role of Santa at Christmas time.

Tatay is survived by his seven children, 17 grandchildren, and one great grandpuppy.