Angelo F. D'Agostino

Angelo F. D’Agostino, 88, a lifetime resident of West Springfield, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday May 3rd. Angelo was the son of Luigi and Marzia (Galante) D’Agostino, both of whom were born in Abruzzo, Italy before immigrating to West Springfield. Angelo grew up in the Merrick section, where he started working at West Side Auto Body, and graduated from West Side High School in 1947. He was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps in February, 1952 and completed basic training in Camp Lejuene, N.C. Angelo was then stationed at Cherry Point before serving 5 months in Osaka, Japan, and was honorably discharged as a Corporal in Feb. 1954. While serving he earned the Korean Service Medal and The United Nations Service Medal. He returned home to West Side to his future bride of 62 years, Barbara Lawsure, and they were married Oct. 8th, 1955 at Immaculate Conception Church. Angelo and his brother-in-law Joe Gutowski opened the Boulevard Meat Market in 1959. He later returned to his love of working with cars, at Atlas Auto Body in Springfield, where he specialized in car and boat upholstery, and glass work. He eventually went into business with his brother Albert, when they purchased Larson Auto Body in Springfield, where they were owner/operators until their retirement. Angelo was an avid golfer, and was a member at Shaker Farms Country Club in Westfield for 50 years, along with his longtime golf buddy and brother in law Joe Basile. Angelo was a member of the tournament committee, and recorded 5 holes-in-one during his golf career, all at Shaker Farms. He “shot his age” numerous times in his 70’s, and continued playing into his early 80’s. He especially enjoyed the Thursday night Dante Club league at Shaker, which he helped start, and played in for over 40 years with a group of friends from West Side. He enjoyed bowling in the winter, and loved to play cards. He was a member of The West Springfield Knights of Columbus #2212, and spent 35 years playing pitch in the Tuesday night league. Angelo had a keen eye for detail, and enjoyed working with his hands. During retirement he kept busy by starting a small furniture upholstery business out of his home. He also reconnected with his love of drawing and oil painting, and took great pride in his work. He painted personalized pictures for all of his grandchildren, along with landscapes, golf course scenes, and Norman Rockwell reproductions. Angelo leaves his cherished family, his wife of 62 years, Barbara, his daughter Carla Chase of Agawam, his son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Ellen D’Agostino of Agawam, his grandchildren, Brandon and Adam Chase, and Lauren and Andrew D’Agostino. He was predeceased by his brother Albert, sister Eda Basile, and son-in-law Mark Chase. Calling hours will be Monday, May 7th from 5-7 p.m. at Colonial Forastiere, 985 Main St. in Agawam. A remembrance service will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday May 8th at 1 pm, followed by a committal ceremony with Military Honors at 2 pm in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donation may be made to The Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St. Springfield or The Holyoke Soldier’s Home, 110 Cherry St. Holyoke. For online condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.