Francis "Jack" Diagostino

Francis John “Jack” Diagostino was born on the Feast of Saint Francis October 4th, 1934. He was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Clough) Diagostino in
Massena, New York. On Friday, June 10th, 2022, he entered Eternal life after a brief stay at Parkview Randallia Hospice.

He attended Massena schools and graduated from Massena Central High School in 1953. After graduating, he served two years in the US Army in Saumur, France. Following his military service he enrolled at Tri State College in Angola, Indiana. While at Tri State, he met the love of his life, Judy Ehinger. The couple were married on June 24, 1961 at Saint
Peter’s Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The two were blessed with five beautiful children. After graduating from Tri State, with a degree in business, Jack had a sales related career that included owning Wildwood Liquors and the Hideaway Tavern. Upon retirement he enjoyed volunteering. He served at Saint Mary’s Soup Kitchen for many years and the Embassy Theatre for 20 years. Jack had many joys in his life including his Friday morning breakfasts with “the guys”, dinners with their couple’s group, and winters with all of the friends from Orange Manor West. Above all, he was a devoted husband to Judy, father and “Papa”. He took great pride in the many academic and extracurricular achievements of his 16 grandchildren. Whether it was a soccer or football field, a volleyball or basketball court, a swimming pool, a stage, or a Wednesday phone call, Jack was a constant presence in their lives.

Jack is survived by: wife, Judy, of nearly 61 years; brother Tony (Emily) Diagostino; in-laws Mike and Becky Ehinger, Carl and Carol Ehinger and Sue and Ned Lee.
Five children; Julie Predan, Dan (Pam), Cathi (Steve) Steinacker, Steve (Jennifer), and Jim (Tricia). Sixteen grandchildren; Nicholas Predan (Justine Cole), Natalie (Eric) Freeman, Tara Steinacker, Justine Predan (Evan Griffin), Blake (Katie) Steinaker, Jordan (Michael)Scheck, Jack Steinacker, Josh, Jude, Megan, Gaby (fiancé Tim Ayers), Hunter, Izzy, Evie (fiancé Dillon Olejnik), Saul and Julia Diagostino. Four great-grandchildren; Trevor and Maya Freeman, Theo Olejnik, and Anthony James Predan Many nephews and nieces too. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Jack O’Neill; in-laws Jerry and Evelyn Ehinger and son-in-law, Tony Predan.

Remembering and celebrating Jack's life will occur at Divine Mercy Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 14th from 6-8 pm and at St Peter’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 15th from 10 - 10:55 am with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Mary’s Soup Kitchen or Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Above all Jack loved his Lord, family, and community. He never really knew a stranger. We will always carry his memory.