Robert "Gus" Agostinelli

Robert “Gus” Agostinelli, 70, of Ottawa passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Friday, January 13, 2017. He was born July 15, 1946, to Armand and Susie Agostinelli in New Haven, CT. A visitation will take place from 12 – 4pm at Ottawa Funeral Home on Saturday, January 21, and a memorial service will follow from 4– 5pm. Gus graduated from the University of Dayton in 1968. He served in Vietnam with the Army from 1968 to 1970, earning a Bronze Star, and graduated from Duquesne Law School in 1973 receiving the Distinguished Student award. Gus was head of the Ottawa State Appellate Defender’s office from 1973-2010. Gus served on several local boards including Youth Service Bureau, Friendship House, and Easter Seals. He was a past president of the Appellate Lawyers Association and helped coach youth sports at the YMCA when his children were young. He was a passionate, generous, strong man who made a lasting impact on everyone who had the opportunity to know him. His sense of humor and genuine kindness will live on in all of us whose lives he impacted. Gus is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen (Kit Hearn); son, Joe (Tina Pak); grandson, Albie of Rock Island; and daughter, Anne (Billy Aylward) of Chicago. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Ottawa Friendship House, 1718 N. 2525 Road, Ottawa IL 61350, or www.ottawafriendshiphouse.wordpress.com/funding/.