Kenneth A. Dagostino

Kenneth A. Dagostino, 87, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at Ellis Hospital after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of Schenectady, born August 12, 1929, he was the youngest son of Mary and Frank Dagostino, brother to Andrew (Beryl), and Lawrence (Christine) Dagostino. He attended Mont Pleasant High School and was a U.S. Marine Corp veteran. Upon honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant in 1952, he then began his career in the family business, Dagostino Building Blocks, "retiring" in 1994 as Secretary-Treasurer, although "maintaining" his office to this day. He was the devoted and beloved husband of 65 years to Marie, who he adored since their days as teenage sweethearts, most loving father of Kenneth G., father-in-law of Anna Maria, whom he shared a very special loving connection; grandfather ("Poppy") of Kenneth A. II (Christine), and Steven (Colleen); great-grandfather ("Great Poppy") of Olivia Marie, Kenneth A. III, Luciana Rose, and Madalena Sloane. His grandsons and great-grandchildren were the absolute pride, joy, and loves of his life. Whatever the event, wherever the event, whenever the event, he was always there, making it so loving, so special, and so important for everybody. He was a proud, loyal, and supportive basketball fan of Guilderland HS, Iona College, The College of Saint Rose, Mohonasen HS, and Colonie HS. He was truly the "Rock" of our family, a blessing of a gift to all of us from God above. "The beauty of the soul is constant, continuous, and endless." He was predeceased by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law, and his in-laws, Carmella and Raymond Caporale. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. His professional and personal organizational affiliations include chairmanship of the National Concrete Masonry Association, presidencies of the New York State Concrete Masonry Association, Rotterdam Kiwanis Club, Northeast Subcontractors Association, Schenectady Builders Exchange, as a board member with Mohawk National Bank / Norstar Bank Upstate NY, Home & City Savings Bank, Ellis Hospital, Schenectady Economic Development Corp., Capital District Masonry Institute, Eastern Contractors Association, Union College Executive Committee Annual Business Campaign, Eastern New York Utility Contractors, Schenectady Museum & Planetarium, Boys' Club of Rotterdam & Eastern NY Area Council, Rotterdam Little League, Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Schenectady County, American Cancer Society Schenectady County Unit, Schenectady County American Red Cross, Schenectady County Child Guidance Center, the Mohonasen HS Kiwanis Key Club Advisor, and a member of OSIA #321, Rotterdam Elks #2157, Knights of Columbus, IDAKA Forum, The Mohawk Lower Club, American Legion Post #1005, Electric City Detachment Marine Corps League, Rotterdam Industrial Agency, BOCES Building Trades Consultant Committee. He was devoted and dedicated in his faith to St. Anthony, his favorite saint, and as a communicant of the St. Madeleine Sophie-Saint Gabriel Parish. He was very proud to have been awarded a University of Hard Knocks degree from Alderson-Broaddus College recognizing achievers who have succeeded in life without the benefit of a college degree. Other alumni during this time include Ray Kroc, founder of McDonalds, and former U.S. Senators Barry Goldwater (R., Ariz.) and Jesse Helms (R., N.C.). The family would like to thank Dr. Francois Vachon, Colleen, and the staff of Capital Care Guilderland, Dr. Lawrence Garbo, Randi Daniels, PA, and the NYOH staff, the Ellis Hospital C1 & A6 Wings staff and Sandra Perdek, FNP, Capital Living Centre Administrative and Rehab C Wing staffs, Dr. George Giokas and The Community Hospice of Schenectady, and all of his health care professionals for their love, compassion, and professionalism during his time of care. And a very special, loving thank you to his DBB family of employees, past and present, whom he truly loved as his own, always recognizing and respecting each and every one of them and their families, and their importance to the success, and future success, of the family business. Sincere appreciation to all the architects, engineers, contractors, masons, general public customers and industry colleagues who made his professional life at DBB so rewarding every day for over six decades. Friends and relatives are invited to visit on Friday, August 26, 2016, from 5 to 8 p.m. at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Schenectady, NY. Funeral services will begin on Saturday, 9 a.m. from the funeral home, followed at 10 a.m. by a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Madeleine Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Road, Schenectady. Entombment will immediately follow in the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery Mausoleum, Niskayuna. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate any memorial contributions be made to Saint Madeleine Sophie School, 3510 Carman Road, Schenectady, NY 12303. Online condolences may be made at www.demarcostonefuneralhome.com.