Dom Calata

Type of Donation:       organs, tissue and corneas

Age and Location:      Age 35 – Puyallup, WA

Donation Date:           3/19/2022

Sponsor:                      Honored by LifeCenter Northwest

DOM’S STORY

Deputy Dom Calata: A real-life hero who continues to save and serve through organ and tissue donation. Dom Calata was born into a proud military family on Nov. 15, 1986, in Nuremberg, Germany, where his father was stationed. When Dom's father retired from the US Army, the family was content to make the Pacific Northwest their home, which became the source of many adventures for Dom throughout his lifetime. As the child who often role-played as a soldier, Dom followed in his father's footsteps and was commissioned into the US Army after completing the ROTC program in college. Before Dom graduated, he was fortunate to meet Erin, his future wife. They pursued different majors but owe their connection to the university's core requirement of theology. Dom's faith was integral to his life, and study sessions allowed them to learn more about each other. "Dom just had such an easy way about him. He could connect with anyone," Erin said. Erin shared that Dom was an instigator of fun. He loved to hike and travel. They enjoyed the mountains, paddleboarding, or trying their luck in pub trivia games. Dom also played the guitar and sang in their church choir. His guitar still sits in their living room. When Erin sees it, she laughs, remembering Dom could never sit still. He'd play the guitar while waiting for her to get ready. When their son Dylan was born, Dom had been a sheriff's deputy for a few years. But he didn't bring that stress home. Dom, who could rarely relax, found that the experience of fatherhood unlocked a new superpower — the ability to enjoy downtime and snuggle. Dom dedicated his life to serving others, and when he tragically lost his life in the line of duty, Erin knew that he was a registered donor. Dom saved four lives, restored sight to two people, and healed dozens more through organ and tissue donation. "I was surprised at how much Dom was able to provide for others. You never know what you will be able to give," said Erin, who is also a registered organ donor. "There's an opportunity to help a ton of people."