about
On August 14, 2017 we lost our wonderful and inspirational mother and wife, Millie. Our Millie was larger than life, a lover of song, Broadway musicals, and Golden Age Classic Films. To continue to carry on her legacy and celebrate the beautiful life she led, we continue to share with others her love of music, theater and community service; just as Millie always shared her love of music and theater with her children and grandchildren, which also extended to her family and friends.

Millie's Story
Millie grew up in East Harlem, New York and was born on March 15, 1939. The eldest of four children and a large, extended Italian family, she grew up surrounded by love and music. Her father was an exceptional violinist and her mother, a professional radio singer...While a young adult, Millie shared her voice in the church choir at St. Cecilia’s Church. She was accepted into a prestigious summer stock program and performed in Madam Butterfly at The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center.
Millie married the “boy next door” Thomas J. D’Agostino who shared her love of music. For 55 years, Millie devoted herself to her husband and raising their four energetic and theatrical children. In her spare time Millie pursued her love of performance and graced over 75 theatrical productions throughout Long Island’s regional and community theaters. She was well versed in musicals, dramas and comedies. A few of her favorites included George M (Madam Grimaldo), Show Boat (Ellie), Crazy For You (Mother), Funny Girl (Mrs. Brice), Company (Sarah) and Gypsy (Miss Electra). She was a lover of Rodger and Hammerstein’s musicals, which is how she introduced her children to the stage. The first of many family shared theatrical appearances was in Carriage House Players’ production of Carousel. Millie transitioned to the role of “stage mother” and was instrumental in her children’s professional careers on stage, TV and film. Eventually Millie shared the stage with four of her Granddaughters performing in Annie (Musical) at Bayway Performing Arts Center. She was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments and attended every grandchild’s concert, play, sports game, and school function. A proud grandmother, Millie volunteered backstage as well as costuming many of her grandchildren’s theatrical endeavors. And was instrumental in successfully fundraising events for the Columbiettes (sister organization to the Knights of Columbus) through partnerships with many Long Island theaters raising money to support such programs as Meals On Wheels and Operation Christmas.
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Millie’s love for the arts and culture were unquenchable. She took every opportunity to attend a Broadway show. At the end of the show, Millie was front and center at the stage door to get a glimpse of the “stars” and obtain the actors’ autographs.
A fan of The Oldies on Turner Movie Classics, Millie knew every movie star in every movie and was well versed in their biographies. She loved and respected the actor, their talent and the craft.
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Cherished by those whose lives she touched, Millie led an exemplary life as wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She loved deeply and wholeheartedly while welcoming everyone she met into her family. Millie’s heart and home were open to ALL!
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Millie lived her life to the fullest and embraced each day as if it were her last. A 5 time cancer survivor who was first diagnosed at 39 years old; she didn't skip a beat and pushed on for the sake of others. A pillar of strength and resilience, she was determined to live a long full life.
And she DID! BRAVA!
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To honor her memory, The Millie D’Agostino Scholarship Fund was created.
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Volunteer
If you are interested in joining The Millie D'Agostino Scholarship Fund Inc. team, we welcome individuals who wish to share their talents in the following areas:
Social Media
Event Planning/Setup/Cleanup
Fundraising
Photography/Videography
Donations
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These are volunteer positions.
Internships and college credits available!
Please send resume and letter of interest to info.milliedagostinoscholarship@gmail.com