Victor D'Agostino

CHARLTON / ROCHDALE -- Victor Ralph D'Agostino died at age 88 on July 7. For the last five years, he received loving care from the dedicated staff of both Overlook Masonic Health Center and Summit Elder Care in Charlton. Victor shared a full life with his wife of 63 year, Estelle (Bolivar) D'Agostino, who died in 2010. His pride and joy were his family: Steven Jones-D'Agostino and his wife, Lana, of Worcester, Michael D'Agostino, and his wife, Patricia, of Charlton - with whom he lived for three years -- Mark D'Agostino and his wife, Vicky, of DeWitt, NY, and Gary D'Agostino and his fiancé, Kimberly Nelson, of Franklin. He was also blessed with six grandchildren -- Nicholas, Kelly, Scott, Adam and Alexander D'Agostino and Antonio Nelson -- and a step grandchild, Charissa Kelly. He was predeceased by four brothers, Bernard, Frank, John (the first) and John (the second) D'Agostino, and three sisters, Ann Leofanti, Mae Mueller and Frances Wallenstein. Victor was born and raised in Shrewsbury, son of the late Antonio and Carmella (Tirabasso) D'Agostino, where he attended public schools. He had an eventful and energetic childhood as one of 10 children in the D'Agostino household. He is survived by two sisters - Helen Gorges and Jean Keegan -- as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In 1943, during World War II, Victor enlisted in the U.S. Navy and received a steam-engineering education at Wentworth Institute of Technology. He served aboard several ships in both the Atlantic and Pacific campaigns, including the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Princeton (CV-37) during its shakedown cruise in 1946 to Cuba. He was awarded the following medals, in alphabetical order, for the American Campaign, the Asiatic Pacific campaign (two Bronze Stars), the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, Good Conduct, Philippine Liberation (one Bronze Star), and World War II Victory. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Machinist's Mate Third Class. He was an active member of VFW Post 7556 in Rochdale. Victor worked for several decades in the home-construction business, both self-employed and employed by Gemme Brothers in Auburn as supervisor and master carpenter. Later in life, he worked at Casson-Foster Photographers in Auburn. Victor met Estelle at White City Amusement in Shrewsbury and they danced their way into each other's hearts. For the next several decades, they lived life to the utmost in their home in Rochdale, enjoying family, parties, camping, gardening and golf. One of his passions was to take evening walks along Pine Ridge Country Club in Rochdale and collect thousands of lost golf balls, which he gave away to family, friends and acquaintances. He was an active member of St. Aloysius Parish in Rochdale. A funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2012, from Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Roch's Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Auburn. Calling hours are Tuesday, July 10, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Unit at Overlook Masonic Health Center, P.O. Box 1000, Charlton, MA 01507.