Francesco D'Agostino

Francesco D’Agostino, age 89, was born to the late Raffaele and Anna (Milillo) D’Agostino. He was husband for 61 years to Elizabeth R. (Bruno) D’Agostino and passed away peacefully February 5, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Giovinazzo (Bari), Italy. He left Merchant Marine School in Italy to live in the United States in 1947. Frank met his wife, Betty, dancing and they were married on June 29, 1957 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and had a beautiful family of five children, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, expecting a fourth in March. Frank was a hardworking family man that worked in the clothing industry as a finish presser at M.G. Kinsler Co. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and left as a PFC with a Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. Frank played professional soccer both in Italy and in the American Soccer League. He refereed in Connecticut later organizing the Western Mass Soccer Association and the Western MA Referee Association as President. He also coached various youth and men’s teams locally. Frank leaves his children and grandchildren to carry on his love of soccer. He liked nothing more than watching them play and giving them advice. Frank was a faithful parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena, long time member of the Holy Name Society, and usher for many years. He was also a past member of Lusitano Alumni and Fans, and the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty; sons Thomas (Nancy) of Longmeadow, John (Andrea) of Nashville, TN, Francis (Bridget) of Springfield and Joseph (Teresa) of Longmeadow; devoted daughter Catherine of Springfield; beloved grandchildren Francesco (Taia), Giancarlo (Cindy) and Tommaso D’Agostino, Bianca Bogosian (Zach), Damiana, Francesca, Michelina, and Matteo D’Agostino. He also leaves brothers Vincenzo (Rina), and Tommaso (Carol); sister-in-law Marge Bruno and brothers-in-law Frank Bruno and Ralph Gamelli as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by the late Michael Bruno and the late Joanne Gamelli. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, February 8, 2019 from 3-7 PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow. Funeral services will be on Saturday, February 9, 2019 beginning at 9:30 AM at the funeral home followed by A Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Parker St. Springfield, MA. Private burial will be at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St. Catherine of Siena Athletic Association. For more information, please visit www.forastiere.com