Vito D'Agostino, Sr.

 Vito Rocco D’Agostino (1936 – 2026)

Vito Rocco D’Agostino, known to everyone simply as "Rocky"—passed away on January 13, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and warmth.

Rocky wasn't just a man of his word; he was a man who loved his family, especially his beautiful wife of 35 years, Arlene. Whether he was watching his beloved Eagles or Phillies or sitting down to complete a jigsaw puzzle, he moved through life with a signature blend of love and humor. He earned his nickname not just for his strength, but for the steady, unshakeable way he cared for those he loved.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa. to Vincenzo and Amelia, Rocky grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work and always being ready to lend a helping hand. This foundation carried him through a career at PACO Pharmaceuticals and Community Medical Center, where he was known for being able to repair anything and for being a friend to everyone.

However, his proudest "work" was always his family. He was the devoted husband of Arlene for 35 years, a partnership defined by willing sacrifice and unbridled love. Besides his wife Arlene, Rocky is survived by his children Vito Rocco D’Agostino Jr. (Kelly), and his children Vito Rocco 3rd ( Christina) and their children, and Debra Owings (Stewart) and their children, and  Joey D’Agostino, Kathleen Rieta (Sonny) and Kim Newcomb (Chris) and her children, and as a dad to his wife Arlene’s daughters Kathleen Gunnell (Al), and her son Robbie (Nicole)Titus Kristeen Rayment (John)and their children Nicholas (Kaitlyn), Jared (Nikki), Zachary (Katie), and Susan Bergan, (John) and their children Andrew, Brandon, Shannon (Alex), Devan, and Macenna (Joel). He is also survived by Great grandchildren: Gabby and Gigi D’Agostino, Cheyenne Owings and Sienna Umanzor (Ruddy), Robert Gunnell 3rd, and Braxton Jarnutowski and great-great granddaughter Annalise Layla Umanzor. He was predeceased by his daughter Kimberly Belardino (Jerry). He was also predeceased by his son in law Robert Gunnell Sr.

Rocky had a way of making the ordinary feel special. He found joy in watching sports, dancing, gardening, jigsaw puzzles and a hot cup of black coffee. He lived a life that was full in every sense of the word—rich in friendship, deep in faith, and overflowing with love.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rocky’s life:

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ. Mass offered Friday, 9:30 AM at St. Mary's Church, Barnegat. Interment to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Manahawkin.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

(www.BarnegatFH.com) 

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