Obituaries

Joseph Agro, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024, surrounded by family. He was 85. Joe was born in Staten Island, New York, and was a proud Vietnam-era veteran of the United States Navy, serving on the USS Warrington DD-843 from 1962-1965, achieving the rank of Petty Officer-First Class. While serving, he met his wife of 59 years, Janet, in New Brunswick, Canada. They went on to have three children and five grandchildren, eventually settling in St. Charles, Illinois.

In his early years, Joe was a musician, playing tenor saxophone in a jazz ensemble. Like his father and brother, Joe loved cars and was an avid NASCAR and Indy fan throughout his life. Joe started his career as an engineer at Pennwalt Corporation, helping to develop components for the prototype of the mechanical artificial heart in the 1970’s. He soon found his niche as a salesman, which better suited his strong work ethic and cordial personality, working for Suhner Manufacturing, as National Sales Manager until his retirement in 2007. 

Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Joe will remember his friendly and easygoing personality. He was engaging, warm, and sincere in his communication. People knew he was invested in the conversation, and he made people feel good about themselves when talking with him. When you came to him for guidance, he was pragmatic, patiently listening and then providing logical, honest, and sensible advice to any situation. Joe could fix anything, using his skills as an engineer and his creativity to come up with solutions to any mechanical issue, including assisting his children with their cars, hobbies, and school projects. Throughout his years as a father, he always supported his children, pulling out his map, figuratively and literally, when they needed direction. 

Joe loved to travel, and enjoyed many excursions with his wife to Maui, as well as Hong Kong, Europe, and Maine. With his family, he was a master of the family road trip, travelling to destinations throughout the United States and Canada.  When home, he also enjoyed working in the yard, and relaxing in his favorite chair. 

Joe is preceded in death by his son, David, his father and mother, James and Theresa (nee Bonica) Agro, brother and sister-in-law Edward and Doris (nee Halliday) Agro, brother and sister-in-law, James and Carol (nee Esposito) Agro.  Joe is survived by his loving wife, Janet (nee Foster) Agro, son and daughter-in-law James and Debra (nee Zyczynski) Agro, daughter and son-in-law Theresa (“Terri”) and Thomas Marotta, and grandchildren Sean and Hannah Marotta, and Rachel, Michael and Matthew Agro.

Above all else, Joe was a loving husband, compassionate father, and devoted grandfather, always dedicating his time, energy, and commitment to his family. His family finds comfort in knowing he is with his beloved son, David. Both are sincerely missed.

Interment will be private. 

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