Antonia Maria D’Agostino, 80, of Naples, FL, passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021. She was born May 10, 1940 in Barcelona, Spain, the daughter of Juan and Benita (Serra) Ferrer. Antonia found her way to the U.S. when her husband Frank D’Agostino asked to take her for a walk at her mother’s art store, while visiting Barcelona with his good friend Joe Sotera. After months of exchanging letters overseas, they were finally destined to be married in Barcelona. Soon after they returned to Frank’s hometown in Cleveland, Ohio, where they would start their family of seven children. In 1971, Frank and Antonia made the move from Cleveland to Naples, FL after Frank purchased the Edgewater Beach Hotel. During this time Antonia opened a store of her own in Coastland Center Mall called “What’s Cookin?” This was her opportunity, after spending years in the kitchen cooking for her family, to spread love and service to others the best way she knew how.
Antonia’s incredible dedication to serve and love her family from within her home was unparalleled. She never failed to give every ounce of her heart to be the best Mother, Grandma, and Comare (friend) to all of her loved ones. Our family is so thankful for the heart of service and love she so often displayed to those who were able to feast at her dinner table. We are thankful this day that the Lord Jesus, maker of all things new, has freed Antonia from the physical suffering she has battled in the last years of her life, thorns that were binding her from doing the things she loved most. The Chain Breaker has set her free, may she now rest and worship in the peace and comfort of our beautiful Savior (Luke 4:17-21).
Antonia is survived by her seven children, Frank (Sandy) D’Agostino, Lou (Nina) D’Agostino, Domenic (Heidi) D’Agostino, Dr. Anthony (Michelle) D’Agostino, John (Lisa) D’Agostino, Mario (My Hien) D’Agostino, and Anne (Matt) DeRose; and grandchildren, Nicole (Matt), Domenic (Olivia), Chelsea, Dominique, Sarah (Kris), Louie, Francesco, Anthony, Paul, Michael, Sofia, MyKaela, Johnny, Luca and Frankie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Juan and Luis Ferrer.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fuller Funeral Home, 1625 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Burial will follow at Palm Royale Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to One More Child (onemorechild.org).