Dominic “Dom” John Lauber died Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida.

Born on Valentine’s Day in 1969 in Washington, D.C., Dom was the son of the late Captain Ronald Mathias Lauber and Alice Claire Lauber.

He is survived by his loving siblings, Lorraine Alice Farish (Sidney), Phyllis Claire Lehew (Dennis), Anthony Joseph Lauber, Vincent Karl Lauber, Marilyn Jean Lauber, Joseph Edward Lauber, Nicholas Peter Lauber, and Judith Anne Katz; along with many cherished nieces and nephews. Dom graduated from Pensacola School of Liberal Arts in 1988 and was a member of Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel.

From an early age, Dom was precocious, energetic, and athletic. He excelled in baseball and football and was especially talented as a competitive diver. Shortly after high school, Dom moved to San Francisco, California, where he began his culinary career at Eos restaurant, rising to the position of lead line chef. In 1998, he relocated to Manhattan to work at Bolo restaurant under renowned chef Bobby Flay, serving as assistant executive chef and sous chef. He later joined Drew Nieporent and Robert De Niro at Tribeca Grill as a sous chef, where he managed a team of more than 35 kitchen staff. In 2006, Dom returned to the Bay Area, settling in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, where he worked in private aircraft catering and concierge services, crafting gourmet, personalized menus for his clients. In 2008, he began what he considered his dream job at Brophy’s Tavern in Carmel, serving as bartender and floor manager. There he formed lasting friendships and served a wide array of celebrity guests. In 2018, Dom returned to his hometown of Pensacola, earning his real estate license and beginning a new chapter selling property on Pensacola Beach and in downtown Pensacola. Dom had a deep love for photography, surfing, fishing, skateboarding, and snowboarding in Lake Tahoe. He enjoyed golfing on the celebrated courses of Carmel and was especially proud to have shot below 80 at both Poppy Hills and Cypress Point.

A celebrated chef, avid golfer, and adventurous traveler, Dom embraced life with enthusiasm. Raised in a large Catholic family, he remained steadfast in his faith throughout his life. His culinary talent brought him to some of the country’s most respected restaurants, and his warmth and gregarious spirit made him a friend to many.

In recent years, Dom faced significant mental health challenges following the pandemic. Despite these hardships, he was deeply loved by his family and close friends. We pray for his soul and for his eternal peace.

A Rosary will be held on March 6, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:10 p.m. at Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel in Pensacola, Florida.

A private Rite of Committal will follow for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, 257 East Lee Street A, Pensacola, FL 32503.