Saveria D'Agostino

Saveria (Rina)(Gallo) D’Agostino, 82 of Springfield, MA passed away on Saturday May 28, 2022 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous three-year battle with leukemia. Rina was born on December 13, 1939 in San Michele (Calabria), Italy, the daughter of Michele and Carubina (Mazzei) Gallo. She immigrated to America in 1956 with her parents and two brothers, Antonio and Pietro Gallo and they settled in the Forest Park section of Springfield. Rina graduated from High School in Italy prior to coming to America. Upon arrival, within one week, she started working to provide financial assistance to her family. She continued her employment while attending evening classes to learn the English language. At the age of 20, Rina met her future husband, Vincenzo D’Agostino and they were married in 1962.

Rina devoted her entire life to raising her family which included her children, Rudy and Lisa. Spending time with her family was especially important. Rina was an outstanding cook who made full course meals every evening and the family would eat together which fostered discussions on any topic. Sunday dinners continued to be part of her life up until she was forced to be in the hospital in early March of 2022. After the children were grown, Rina worked in retail as a sales specialist. She loved clothing and was a seamstress in her younger years often making clothes for herself and the kids. Rina was always dressed impeccably with the latest fashions. In addition to her fondness for fashion, she was very much a health enthusiast and would walk in Forest Park every day of the week for over 50 years. Many friendships were formed in Forest Park. Rina would love to go to La Fiorentina Pastry shop for coffee and conversation. She was very personable and everyone loved her. Around town, CVS, bank, grocery store, etc., everyone would refer to her as “Sophia” (Sophia Lauren).

Rina put family first. When the grandchildren arrived, she would baby sit and the kids would love sleep overs at Nonna’s house. Holiday get togethers were incredibly special and the family would always gather at her home.

Saveria was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Vinny who died in 2019 and both of her brothers, Tony and Peter who passed away in 2021. She leaves her children, Rudy (Tracie) D’Agostino of Longmeadow, Lisa (Jeff) Knight of Wilbraham, her grandchildren Robert and Michael Knight of Boston, MA, and Danielle Alger (Jonathon) and David D’Agostino of Longmeadow. Rina also leaves her brother in-law, Tommaso (Carole) D’Agostino, sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Betty) D’Agostino all of Springfield and her goddaughter, Adriana Gallo-Grimaldi and niece, Laura Lutz who spent hours with Auntie Rina during the final weeks of her life. In addition, she leaves several other nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be on Friday June 3, 2022 at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA from 5 PM to 8 PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday June 4, 2022 beginning at 8:30am at the funeral home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 123 Williams Street, Springfield, MA. A private burial will take place at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA.

The family would like to thank Richard Steingart, MD who took care of Mom and developed a special friendship with her, and all of the nurses and staff at Baystate Oncology/Hematology. In addition, the family is appreciative of all the caring individuals from Baystate Hospice. Memorial contributions may be made in Rina’s name to a charities of one’s choice. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.forastiere.com.