Joseph P. D'Agostino

Joseph D'Agostino Obituary

Family-Placed Funeral Notice

JOSEPH P. D'AGOSTINO Joseph P. D'Agostino, age 88 of West Palm Beach, died on June 10, 2007. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Joseph moved to Florida in 1952. He was married to his wife Winifred for 67 years. A retired fireman for the city of Lake Worth, in 1971 Joseph was awarded the Benjamin Franklin Award for Heroism and was named Florida Fireman of the Year. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are sons Wayne (Sharon) D'Agostino of Tennessee and Richard (Joy) D'Agostino of Georgia. A daughter, Diane (Derrick) Griffin of Lantana also survives along with grandchildren Cindy, Shanna, Christopher, Melissa, Sean, Jennifer and Gina. He also leaves three great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family suggests that donations be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 or to the National Kidney Foundation of Florida, 1040 Woodcock Rd, Ste 119, Orlando, FL 32803. Visitation will be held Wednesday June 13 form 2-5 PM. Funeral services are Thursday June 14, 2:00 PM at the chapel of Palm Beach Memorial Park, 3691 Seacrest Blvd, Lantana, FL 33462. 561-586-1237. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Palm Beach Post on Jun. 12, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph D'Agostino

Sponsored by Melissa & Melissa Griffin-Knight, granddaughters.

5 Entries

My Sweet Papapa

July 27, 2007

Gina Broyles

June 24, 2007

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 forget the reactions of many of our friends after meeting Papa at the rehearsal dinner 4 years ago at our wedding. My friends went on and on about how wonderful Papa and Mama were and how in love and happy they seemed. I remember being so proud of them and proud of my family and being so thankful for all of it. It is today that I look back on that moment and realize that Papa is one of the reasons that I have such a wonderful family...I like to think that he had it all planned when he took Mama out for that first cream cheese and olive sandwich and that he knew of all the happiness they would share.
I wanted to find a quote that somewhat lived up to Papa's life. I thought the following came pretty close:
"L'amore che move il sole e l'altre stelle." (Dante - The love that moves the sun and all the other stars.)
I just think this quote has Papa written all over it. I will miss him so much but I know he will always be with us and he will live on in our hearts.

Joy D'Agostino

June 21, 2007

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.

Griffin-Knight Family

June 18, 2007

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 you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

Mama & Papa New Year's Eve 2003

Melissa & Moe Griffin-Knight

June 18, 2007

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 of instrument, seeing the joy it brought to him and everyone who was in the house.
Papa has shown us what it means to be selfless. He placed his family’s needs before himself, no matter the circumstances. He treasured the importance of his family, and he showed all who knew him the immense love a man can have for one woman without losing the romance, always keeping the spark of his marriage alive. This I was aware of, even as a young girl….seeing little love notes to Mama pasted about the house. True, kind, warm-hearted, brave, honest, caring, helpful and most of all….loving. Papa will live in our hearts and his love will surround us always. Love is forever.

We love you so very much,

Melissa
Moe
Isabella

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results