Joseph P. D'Agostino

Papa was everything that a grandfather, father, and husband should be. I will always remember his playful "barking" as soon as we entered the door for our visits at Christmas or during the summer and he always gave the biggest hugs as soon as he saw us. (Powerful hugs; the kind that you learn how to give from an Italian mama:) He was the most loving husband I have ever seen -- never failing to do the dishes and always making sure that Mama had everything she needed.
I'll never...

Papa was always kind to others. He maintained his composure and gentle nature no matter what the circumstances. We called him the Safety Bear as he protected his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and made sure we each did things in a safe manner. His family always came first. He worked so hard for so many, many years to take care of his family. As he now resides in heaven, he continues to watch over each of us with his loving care.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome...

Papa---a hero and a good man and a cherished gift to all who knew him, especially his family. A kind soul, a man with integrity whose goodness sprung from inner strength, not outward circumstances.
Papa was my first real musical inspiration, always playing his organ when all the grandkids were running about...my ears were open the entire time to Papa's unique jazzy playing style. I loved to sit next to him while he played from the heart. I knew I had to learn how to play some sort...