A Sad Goodbye to a Brother Gary Agostini ‘68

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brother Gary A. Agostini ‘68. Read on to view his obituary. 

Source Courtesy of Klotzbach Funeral Homes 

Gary A. Agostini, age 75, loving husband of Bernadine I. (Suchecki) Agostini, of Phoenixville, PA, passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2022. Born on January 21, 1947 in Erie, PA, he was a son of the late Rocco Sr. and Frances (Voltz) Agostini. 
 
Mr. Agostini was a graduate of Academy High School in Erie, PA. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Secodary Education from Penn State University, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was awarded a National Science Foundation grant to earn a Master’s degree in Biology from Purdue University. 
 
A biology teacher at Great Valley High School he loved to share his wit and wisdom with his students. During his tenure he served as Assistant Athletic Director, golf coach, and as a longtime throwing coach in track. He was also involved with the S.T.A.R. Team and the Getaway Special project. 
 
Family came above all else. He loved spending time with them, looked forward to family events and special occasions. He was a devoted father and grandfather who enjoyed coaching his sons’ youth baseball and soccer teams, the fishing experiences with them and the grandchildren and the tall tales associated with that. He was an avid Penn State football fan. 
 
In addition to his wife, Mr. Agostini is survived by one son, Anthony A. Agostini of Tempe, AZ; two grandchildren, Dominic and Bella Agostini; one sister, Janet, wife of Richard Sposito of Erie, PA; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Agostini was preceded in death by one son, David T. Agostini, and two brothers, Rocco Agostini, Jr. and Paul Agostini. 

Comments from Fraternity Brothers: 

Richard Mascaro: 

This is another sad day in our chapter annals. 

I had the good fortune to know Gary as well as his older brother Rocco. Affectionately know as Big Bede who graduated around 65. 

The two guys had a wonderful mom who would send a care package of homemade cookies each individually wrapped in wax paper. That package was like gold. 

Gary was very quiet guy as opposed to his older brother who roared when he laughed. 

Rocco died an untimely death at a pretty young age. He was living in Pittsburgh at the time. 

The loss now of both Agostini brothers is a big loss to the chapter. 

Ike and Harvey I know this is very tough news for you guys since you spent so much time together. He was a great guy and will be missed. 

RIP GARY 

Rich Mascaro 

AEKDB 

Harvey Thompson: 

I am saddened to share the news of Gary Agostini’s passing on 8/28/22, following a brief illness, and celebrate his life. 

Gary was my and George Strachan’s (Ike’s) great roommate at Kappa Sigma, Penn State, and was Ike’s big brother. Gary and his wife Bernadine (known to all as “Bernie”) met at Penn State and had 2 wonderful sons, one of whom predeceased him, and two grandchildren. 

Gary taught high school biology at Great Valley High School for decades and many of his former students commented on how Gary influenced their lives on the funeral home website below. The website also contains obituary/info /place to offer condolences, etc. 

Gary was a gentle man, and always a gentleman. When asked how she met Gary, Bernie said, “During Gary’s first term at main (PSU) campus, Ned Krosglund’s pinmate, Zoey, was my next door neighbor in the dorm. Gary didn’t really know anyone yet and needed a date for a formal. So she set us up on a blind date and the rest is history.” GARY AND BERNIE WERE MARRIED FOR OVER 53 YEARS! The first time I saw them together, holding hands in the party room, I knew it was long-term love affair.