MENANDS - Harry J. D'Agostino, 81, of Menands passed away peacefully Friday, March 15, 2013, after a long illness.
Born July 19, 1931, in Watervliet to Anthony and Hazel D'Agostino, he was the beloved husband of E. Janet "Jan" D'Agostino for 57 years.
He was the loving father of Dr. Harry J. D'Agostino Jr. and his wife, Carman, of Jacksonville, Fla., Dee D'Agostino Cassidy and her husband, Michael, of San Antonio, Texas, and Jim D'Agostino and his wife, Renee, of San Antonio, Texas. He was the much loved "Poppy" to Caroline, Parker, Harry III, Lauren and Catherine. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Buhrmaster and her family of Latham and many extended family members and close friends.
Harry resided in the Albany area for his entire life. He worked his way through school at Siena College and Albany Law School before joining a law firm. He rapidly became partner, then senior partner, of the firm that is currently known as D'Agostino, Hoblock, Flannery and Jeram.
He was elected town justice for the town of Colonie and served for 13 years. He stepped down from this position to become chairman of the Republican Party in the Town of Colonie and led that organization for 36 years.
He was an active member of St Peter's Church, serving on the Vestry for 16 years. He was also a member of St. Peter's choir for 40 years and was known for his mellow baritone voice.
He was an avid golfer and cook, whose specialties included many pasta dishes, such as linguine with white clam sauce. His motto was, "A day without pasta is like a day without sunshine!"
The family would like to give thanks to his physicians in Albany, Drs. James and Jim Puleo and Dr. Harry Odabashian, as well as his entire ICU team at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center. Special thanks are given to patient caregiver Tracey Layaou, who provided wonderful assistance for the last few years of his life.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a service in celebration of Harry's life at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2013, at St. Peter's Church, 107 State St., Albany. The family will receive visitors after the service in the front of the church.
A private burial is planned for immediate family.
There will be no public calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, if one chooses, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Church Choir Fund, 107 State St., Albany NY 12207.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home in Latham.
For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family, go to
www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.Published by www.troyrecord.com from Mar. 17 to Mar. 18, 2013.