Giovanni "Johnny" Gregorio D'Agostino

Giovanni "Johnny" Gregorio D'Agostino, 87, of East Hartford, loving husband for over 58 years of Wanda M. (Skoczylas) D'Agostino, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 17, 2026, with his caring wife by his side. Born in Floridia, province of Sicily, Italy on April 13, 1939, a son of the late Sebastiano and Girolima (Calafiore) D'Agostino, he came to America with his family in 1962 and has been a resident of East Hartford for the past 60 years. He originally settled in Hartford and began working at Frank's Barber Shop on Main Street, East Hartford, while studying hard to earn his Master Barber's degree. He first met his wife Wanda at the barbershop when she took her brother Chris in for a haircut. In 1983, he opened his own barbershop "Johnny's Barber Shop" at 986 Main Street, East Hartford and was there for 41 years until his retirement in April 2023 at the age of 85. In 1991, Johnny became a United States citizen when his only son served in Operation Desert Storm. He was very proud to be a U.S. citizen.

A devout catholic, Johnny was a longtime communicant of St. Mary's Church in East Hartford. He was an avid bowler and was a member and treasurer for several years of the Tri-Color Bowling League. He loved soccer and was a loyal fan of the team Juventus (he even saw them play on his honeymoon in Italy). He enjoyed traveling the world and was willing to talk to individuals from all the different countries. He also liked going to the beach, diving into the ocean (no matter what the water temperature was), and following the New York Yankees. Most of all, Johnny was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather who will be remembered as a kind, gentle, good man.

Along with his beloved wife Wanda, Johnny is survived by his son, Anthony "Tony" S. D'Agostino of Coventry; two daughters, Rebecca N. Kowalczyk and her husband Michael of South Windsor, Ludwika "Vicky" Hannon and her husband Jason of Coventry; seven cherished grandchildren, Kiera Donaghy and her husband Ben of Norwich, Kirsten Sharpe of Vernon, Christian Grabner of Windsor, Sciarra Hannon of Coventry, Quinn D'Agostino of Vernon, Avani Hannon of Coventry, Karol Kowalczyk of South Windsor; and two adored great-grandchildren, Anthony and Julian Amed of Vernon. He also leaves three brothers, Anthony D'Agostino and his wife Paola, Paul D'Agostino and his wife Tina, Settimo D'Agostino all of Wethersfield; a sister, Lia LaPlante of Wethersfield; a brother-in-law, Kazik Skoczylas and his wife Patricia of Windsor; many nieces, nephews, cousins, former customers, and dear friends. In addition to his parents, Johnny was predeceased by three brothers, Frank D'Agostino of West Hartford, Joe D'Agostino of Florida, Gaetano D'Agostino of Wethersfield; and three sisters, Giovanna D'Agostino, Maria Bazzano of Hartford, and Palmira "Lena" Morello of Rocky Hill.

Funeral service will be Friday (April 24th) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 am at St. Mary's Church of North American Martyrs Parish, Main Street/Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford. Burial will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. The family has asked that everyone please go directly to St. Mary's Church on Friday morning. Johnny's family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday (April 23rd) from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Johnny's name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com