Nicholas John D’Agostino died peacefully of complications due to cancer, with his family by his side, on July 12, 2017. He was 70.
Born in East Stroudsburg, Pa., on October 6, 1946, he grew up in the Bronx on Tomlinson Avenue off Pelham Parkway.
Mr. D’Agostino was a Green Beret in the Army Special Forces, and went on to a career as a restaurateur in Westchester County. He was a longtime Rye resident before moving to Cos Cob, Conn.
After the youngest of his three sons joined the Rye High School Football team, he decided to learn sports photography. In a flash, he built a successful freelance photography business, starting with The Rye Record. As a contributor for the last 18 years, he covered high school graduations and school events as well as sports, and even penned an occasional sports column called “From the Sidelines.”
“From the day Nick strolled into our office — in his tennis whites — we were among his biggest fans,” said publisher Robin Jovanovich. “He had an easy charm and was always happy to sit and share a story about his family, whom he loved and was extremely proud of. When he heard that one of my teen-age sons was a good tennis player who was struggling in school, I was not surprised to learn weeks later that they soon had a regular game.”
In early June, he called the paper to inform the staff that they could count on him to cover graduation at Holy Child, but would have to miss graduation at Rye High because he was undergoing more medical treatment. “ A few days later Nick called back to say he’d be happy to give his substitute some pointers about the best places to position yourself at the packed stadium, or if the ceremony had to be held indoors,” said Ms. Jovanovich. “That was so like him.”
Camera strap around his neck, Nick D’Agostino covered sports and special events in Westchester and Fairfield counties and beyond.
His family said he would be remembered for his social nature, generosity, and love of people —and tennis.
In addition to his wife of 37 years, Patricia D’Agostino, he is survived by his sons, Chris O’Brien (Suzanne), Craig O’Brien (Carrie), and Corey D’Agostino; his grandchildren, Caleigh and Brianna O’Brien; his brother, John, and his beloved Portuguese Water Dog, Campari.
Memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society.
