Charles D'Agostino

Surrounded by his loving family, Charles Francis D’Agostino was welcomed into the loving arms of God in the early evening of December 29, 2023. A Baton Rouge native, “Charlie” was born on January 1, 1949, to Vincent Francis and Regar D’Agostino. Charlie was the youngest of the D’Agostino children: RJ (Odette), Vincent (Charlotte), and Marie (Shelby), and remembers being the favorite child, though his siblings may disagree. Charlie was a student of life, always pursuing knowledge and sharing his wisdom with everyone he encountered. In 1966, he graduated from Baton Rouge High School and pursued his undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University, where he was affiliated with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He returned to LSU in 1972 and earned his Master of Business Administration. In 1999, he married Susan Dabadie, and together they blended their families resulting in years and now generations of truly loving bonds. Their family includes Scott D’Agostino (April), Sara D’Agostino Mathias (Steve), Robert D’Agostino, Ashley Dabadie Ray, and Kristi Dabadie Burlingame (Chad). Together, they share seven grandchildren: Odette Mathias, Olivia, Camille and Eliza Ray, Annie, Charlie and George Burlingame. Charlie distinguished himself early on in his career, and what followed was a lifetime of service and recognition. He was sought out not only for his unique skills in helping small businesses and small business incubators flourish locally, nationally and internationally, but also for his service to the broader community. Charlie earned many awards for his work in the community and small business sector – too numerous to mention – but was especially proud of the following achievements: Founding Member of LSU Baseball Coaches Committee (1983), Louisiana Business and Technology Center (LBTC) National Business Incubator of the Year (2005), NBIA Lifetime Achievement Award (2011), Emerging Research Park of the Year (2013), Association of Research Parks (AURP) Board President (2015/2016), and Baton Rouge Hall of Fame Inductee (2020). What Charlie enjoyed more than the accolades was the relationships his leadership positions allowed him to forge. Charlie loved people with a sincere, jovial and self-sacrificial love, which endeared him to all who knew him. He faithfully cheered for the LSU Tigers Baseball Team and was rarely absent from his seat behind home plate. His love for his dog Wrigley was exceeded only by his love for his family and friends, which he demonstrated through his warm, reliable presence and countless hours of coaching, mentoring, listening, facilitating, laughing, and encouraging. In 2019, after having served for over 30 years as Executive Director at LSU Innovation Park/ LBTC, Charlie spent his days playing golf, collecting baseball cards, walking his dog, and traveling with Susan and friends. His engaging charm, genuine interest in others, and infectious smile will be greatly missed, but the family is comforted by the legacy of Charlie’s investment in helping others chase dreams, make plans, and create innovation. The family would like to thank Dr. Gerald Miletello and his staff for their unwavering care as Charlie navigated his five-year journey with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He did so with remarkable grace and steadfast faith that inspired everyone around him. He will be remembered for his indomitable spirit and positive outlook in the face of every challenge, no matter how daunting. Family and friends are invited to gather at St. Aloysius Catholic Church on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for visitation, followed by a mass celebrating his life at noon. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge (yeabr.org/donate). All donations will help fund the “Charlie D’Agostino Founders Scholarship.” Rabenhorst Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.