Matty Domancich was born in 1922 in San Pedro, California. His parents emigrated from Hvar, Croatia, then part of Yugoslavia, with his father arriving before 1910 and his mother around 1920. Matty's father was a fisherman who passed away in 1934, and his mother worked in a cannery during the Great Depression. Matty grew up in a neighborhood known as the Balkans, a predominantly Croatian and Italian community in San Pedro. He spoke both Croatian and English from a young age. He later became involved in the oil industry, running a Shell service station before transitioning to owning a bicycle shop called the Bike Palace. Matty was also active in the San Pedro community, participating in the centennial celebrations and helping to establish a store at Ports O' Call. He was a member of the Elks Club and contributed to various local charitable activities. 

Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview with Matty Domancich, conducted as part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, captures the experiences and contributions of a long-time San Pedro resident. The interview discusses Matty's early life, focusing on his upbringing in the ethnically diverse Balkans neighborhood and his involvement in the local fishing industry through his father's work. Matty recounts his transition from operating a Shell service station to owning a bicycle shop, highlighting his resilience and adaptability in response to changing economic conditions. The interview also details his significant role in community activities, particularly his involvement in the San Pedro centennial celebrations and his efforts to support the local historical society. Additionally, Matty reflects on the cultural practices of the Croatian and Italian communities in San Pedro, including wine-making and social gatherings.