John J. Agati

Massena: John Agati, 103, Jupiter Florida, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on February 4, 2025 at his residence in Jupiter Fl.
Born June 16, 1921 in Syracuse NY, he was one of the middle children of seven, (all having passed before him) and was born into a family of Italian immigrant parents.
After graduating from North High School, John entered the Army Air Corps to serve his country during World War II. Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Josephine Farruggio whom he was married to until her death 56 years later. They had one child, John B Agati.
After marriage, John worked as a foreman for the Kilian Bearing Co. in Syracuse until given an opportunity to move his family north to Massena to help run Laborers Local 322 with his brother Sam. This was during the Seaway development years when John liked to say that their union hall was the 2nd largest in the U.S. next to the auto workers, boasting 6000 members. John faithfully served Local 322 as business agent and president for more than 25 years.
After retirement, he and his wife changed their residence to Jupiter Fl, while continuing to return to their North Country home on the St. Lawrence River each summer.
John was a good golfer and long-time member of the Massena Country Club and the Thursday night's B&W league. Possibly a better cook than golfer, he was famous for his home-made sausage which he would make and distribute to family members each holiday season. Then, during summers, he would help sponsor the Agati Scholarship Golf Tournament which continues until this day. This event was always looked forward to and well attended by union reps, affiliates, and friends from Central and Northern NY.
John was also a long-time member of the Italian American Civic Assoc. often helping with cookouts during the summer months and for years was a regular at their weekly dinners. He was well liked by everyone who knew him and it was easy for family and friends to see there was something special about him. He leaves a legacy of people who will always think highly of him and have good memories about him. He will be missed by many.
There will be a memorial service at Donaldson Funeral Home, 100 N. Main St., Massena on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 12:00 Noon with reception following at the Italian American Civic Assoc. on 16 Beach St., Massena. Family and friends are welcome.