Contributions to the tribute of Agostino Pastro

W

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Tony, may you rest in peace and join my sister in heaven. My best friend also passed in October. We had difficult times while growing up, but are memories are like our souls/eternal. God bless you, forever

L

Lori Pastro uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, December 2, 2023

+ 33

L

Lori Pastro posted a condolence

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Some people are as integral to the story of our lives as the air that we breathe! My dad was one of those people for me. So many things that I’ve done in my life are tied to his influence. So, I’m going to write about several favorite memories of our times together. One favorite memory of my dad and me was our annual excursions to search for the perfect Christmas tree. We had specific nurseries in Northern Virginia that we liked to check out every December. We usually selected a Douglas Fir, but, occasionally, we would get a Frasier Fir if we couldn’t find a Douglas Fir with strong enough branches to hold our many ornaments. If we saw a tree that we liked, we would ask the salesperson to hold it for a couple hours—giving us time to explore other tree lots before making our final decision. Then, we would come home with the most beautiful tree! As an adult, I read some books about the Myers-Briggs personality types. I learned that my dad was an “ISTJ,” and I was an “INFP.” For those of you who like psychology—which is what I studied in college—“J’s” and “P’s” have different approaches to time management. The J’s prefer structure, routine, and punctuality, whereas the P’s like exploring their options, are always open to new information, and have a tendency to run late. In other words, J’s and P’s can really get on each other’s nerves, at times. This information made me appreciate dad’s enthusiastic participation in our annual tree search all the more! My dad had to be a lot more flexible than what was in his nature to run me around to so many places to find “the one.” But, honestly, I think he enjoyed these outings as much as I did. There’s something special about the scent of fresh pine needles, the taste of smores and apple cider at the tree lots, and the excitement in the air. Anyway, my dad was probably worn out after all the driving around, but we’d come home and trim the tree the same day. He would saw off the bottom branches and tree trunk, and my brothers would help him string the lights. Then, the decorating fun began! My family had some beautiful, old-fashioned ornaments. Some had holes in them, like half moons, with various scenes inside of the balls. One was pink with a snow scene inside, which displayed a reindeer and a Christmas tree. I loved coordinating the colors, shapes, and sizes of the ornaments to make our tree extra pretty. I still have some original family ornaments, as well as some Hallmark ornaments that my dad gave me, like the two turtle doves and the partridge in a pear tree from “The 12 Days of Christmas” series. After decorating, we would top the tree off with an illuminated star or angel, and put a manger and a running train around the bottom. Then, we would turn off the living room lamps and appreciate looking at the colorful Christmas lights reflecting off the ornaments. It was a magical and serene scene. Well, it’s time to put up a Christmas tree again, and it will be bittersweet this year, remembering a lifetime with my dad. However, my husband Charlie and I will hang classic family ornaments—our keepsakes—and recall cherished memories. Interestingly, dad made sure that I would not forget our Christmas tree adventures. I was in a Hallmark store on November 20, 2023 (the day of dad’s visitation at the funeral home), purchasing some cards for him. I walked into the puzzle aisle and, immediately catching my eye, was a puzzle of a man with a Christmas tree in the back of his truck and a dog by his side in front of a movie theater--with a marquee that read “A Christmas Memory.” In terms of the cards, my dad’s sense of humor often involved teasing, so I was having a little fun by purchasing three cards to put in his casket for his reading pleasure during the next part of his eternal journey. He used to get on my case about spending money on cards because he was going to eventually throw them away. (As a child during the Great Depression, he learned to be very thrifty.) However, his sister “Zia” Maria and I have always loved sending, receiving, and keeping cards, so I took this last opportunity to give my dad some cards filled with words of love and gratitude. Speaking of words, my dad was there when I learned to write my first word. We were sitting in the recreation room of our home in Lakeridge, and I kept asking him if different combinations of letters made a word. Eventually, I landed on “t-h-e,” and my first written word and love of writing began. It’s funny to think about how “the” is such an everyday word—an article in the English language. The word reminds me of how my dad was always there for us on all of the ordinary days and special occasions of our lives. He was reliable, responsible, hard-working, and a great provider to me and my three brothers: Paul, Jerry, and Bill. And, mom was more like the verbs and the adjectives in our lives. She planned wonderful activities for us to do, like boating at local lakes, going to Kings Dominion, and vacationing in Wildwood, New Jersey. Some of our best childhood memories were made during these outings! Despite their differences, mom and dad both made these good times possible for their children. A few other fun or funny Pastro Family memories include the following: A. The time that dad drove our yellow station wagon into the middle of a parade in Wildwood, and the suitcases fell off the top of the car when he took a sharp turn. Then, some Boy Scouts ran over to help us collect our belongings and remove them from the parade route. B. The time that Zia’s meatloaf rose, like a loaf of bread. C. The time that mom asked, “What time is midnight mass?” Dad thought this was so funny, but, of course, what mom meant was: What time do we have to leave to get to church in time to sing Christmas carols before the service begins? D. The summer that I got bombed by seagulls three times, and dad bought me a black t-shirt with white drippings that said, “Damn seagulls!” E. The time that Bill won the big elephant that had to be placed--half in the front, half in the back--of Zia’s Caprice Classic car so that we could get it home. F. The time that Jerry and Paul were altar boys at Christmas Eve church service, and Jerry was helping to light the candles on the huge birthday cake that Father Peter brought in for Jesus. Jerry accidentally touched Father Welch’s robe and it caught on fire, but, fortunately, the fire was quickly put out and Father Welch escaped unharmed. I sang “Away in the Manger” that night. G. On many Sundays, we had delicious Italian spaghetti, courtesy of Noni and Zia, and most of the family would watch the Redskins games. H. Dad was a steadfast parent--always attending my softball and soccer games, ballet and jazz dance recitals, piano recitals, choir concerts, birthday parties, graduation events, and more. He also participated in my brothers’ activities. I. Dad was also there for all the holidays. • He and my brothers decorated our house so beautifully every year at Christmas time! And, dad would always buy me some poinsettias. • On Easter, we would go to church and, later, have Easter egg hunts in our back yard. Dad always gave me gorgeous carnations. • In 1976, we attended the D.C. Bicentennial fireworks show, sitting near the Iwo Jima Memorial. The firework display was amazing, and so many people were there that we sat in traffic for hours trying to get home. J. My dad used to tell me on the ferry boat when returning from summer vacations, “It’s time to go back to reality,” as I had tears in my eyes because I didn’t want to leave. It’s ironic that dad ended up buying a lovely beach house in Wildwood Crest in his later years. I was so happy for him to have this unrealistic place—LOL!—to spend his summers, enjoying himself with his sister, our “Zia,” and the rest of our family. He loved spending summers at the beach. I am also thankful to my dad for his influence on key aspects of my life. Because of him, I began my career by working during college breaks at the Army Materiel Command in Alexandria. Dad worked for the Defense Contract Audit Agency in Arlington at the time. He would wake me up super early, saying, “Rise and shine!” I’d get into his truck half asleep, and we would travel to and from work together. While sitting in all the terrible traffic on the way home to Lakeridge one day, I looked at him, making a face, saying: “You do this every day of the year?!” It was exhausting the things that he did, the sacrifices that he made, to put the roof over our heads and care for us. I finally understood why he was tired at night. And, I get it even more now as an adult, who followed in my dad’s footsteps by pursuing a Federal career. Also, as my dad’s only daughter—and like many daughters—I was inclined to marry a man, like my father. Although this didn’t get me off to a great start in the dating scene, I was thrilled ultimately when I married the most thoughtful man, Charlie, who dad loves dearly! Dad and Charlie weren’t just father-in-law and son-in-law, they were good friends. Dad would often call our house and ask, “Is the man of the house home?” Dad knew that he could count on Charlie to fix things in his house, take care of the landscaping, take him to doctors’ appointments, etc. They would have lunch, sit around, and talk about the good old days… “when excellent customer service was still a thing,” as my dad often mentioned. And, they’d watch the Redskins or old movies (sometimes, westerns), and talk about cars, which they both knew a ton about fixing, etc. ***** Dear Dad, Our relationship has had ups and downs. Sometimes, I thought that you wanted me to be more like you instead of being me. While we have had our differences, there are also so many things about who I am that were shaped positively by you. Thank you for all the things that you taught me. Thank you for all the hard work that you did for me, like building the beautiful shelves for my stuffed animals and other prizes that I won on the boardwalk—you liked to call these treasures, “dust collectors.” LOL! Thank you for paying for me to attend Catholic School and college. Thank you for the MANY ways that you’ve blessed me and Charlie! I will miss our conversations about the political and health issues of the day. I will miss your honesty and decency, your logic, your advice, and your sense of humor! I will miss your cooking and excellent fashion sense. I will miss watching the Olympic ice-skating events, concerts, Abbott and Costello, Carol Burnett, and Andy Griffith with you. I will miss you every day! And, I will carry the best parts of you and mom in my heart as I continue my journey in this world. I am sending you lots of hugs, kisses, and prayers! Enjoy living in the presence of Jesus’ perfect love. He loves you so much, and so do I! I look forward to living life with you again one day in Heaven. Love Forever and Always, Lori

A

Ann Marie Pastro uploaded photo(s)

Friday, November 17, 2023

+ 12

Tony- what can I say? You have been my substitute dad for almost 25 years. I will miss our talks- your stories, your encouragement and our fun banter back and forth. (Hey Tony..did “WE” win? [the lottery] ). I loved all of the holidays and birthdays we celebrated with you, at our home in VA. Through the years- You bailed me out several times by picking up Jordan taking her to LAX practice and feeding her, when I was stuck at work. Linguini and clams, anyone?? You never missed a school play or musical performance. Summers were the best. Our rides home from the beach (Speed Racer) with the “Wild Woman of Wildwood” the miniature golf games, dinners at Pasta Pastro’s, watching Ice Road Truckers together, you washing off our beach chairs even though I told you not to. All of our good times at Trish’s house, and Uncle Joe’s are memories my entire family share. They all so enjoyed you, Tony….Your ongoing bet with Uncle Joe- I think You owed him 2 lunches this year! Trishy always bringing you Raviloi from Raviloi house. She knew it was your fave. Her walks over to sit with her “coffee buddy” with Sydney- and you always had a treat for Syd. So many great times. The most special was watching you with your Jordan. How you loved her, and how she adored you. The two of you teasing each other endlessly- a hilarious scene to witness. Your relationship was very special. (Even though she only gave you 2 sq inches of the bathroom vanity you both shared. Lol) You would tell me all the time how proud you were of her. There will be a forever void in her heart for her beloved pop-pop. I will miss you Tony, I already do. Wildwood will never be the same. I will sit on our porch and think of you and wish you were still sitting to my left- with fly swatter in hand. I may cry for now, but that will eventually turn to a smile and laughter as I think of all of these great memories. God Bless you, Tony Pastro. Please watch over us…until we meet again.

P

The family of Agostino Pastro uploaded a photo

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

A Memorial Tree was planted for Agostino Pastro

Sunday, November 12, 2023

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Adams Green Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

Agostino Pastro

1936 - 2023

Plant a tree in memory of Agostino

About Us | Our Services | Funeral Planning | Pre-Planning | Resources | Obituaries

Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory
721 Elden Street | Herndon, VA 20170
P: (703) 437-1764 or (703) 471-4090 | E: bill@adamsgreen.com

Agostino Pastro

1936 - 2023

Plant a tree in memory of Agostino

About Us | Our Services | Funeral Planning | Pre-Planning | Resources | Obituaries

Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory 721 Elden Street | Herndon, VA 20170P: (703) 437-1764 or (703) 471-4090 | E: bill@adamsgreen.com

Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory
721 Elden Street | Herndon, VA 20170
P: (703) 437-1764 or (703) 471-4090 | E: bill@adamsgreen.com