Manchester Remembering Former Mayor Agostinelli As A True 'Advocate'

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester officials Monday announced that former mayor Nate Agostinelli died last week at the age of 93.

He is being mourned as " a lifelong public servant and advocate for the Manchester community."

Said current Mayor Jay Moran on Agostinelli's passing, "Nate Agostinelli was the embodiment of a public servant. "From his time serving our country in uniform during the Korean Conflict, to serving as my predecessor as Mayor and then as the only statewide elected official from Manchester as State Comptroller, to his affiliation with a broad range of local organizations in addition to a variety of local schools, churches, veterans associations, banking associations, and government initiatives, Nate always answered the call to serve this community he so dearly loved."

Moran continued, "His determination, hard work, and generosity shaped those around him, and his legacy of service and kindness will long endure in Manchester. On a personal note, he always thanked me for my service, and he always made me laugh. You always felt inspired when you were around Nate. I will miss him. On behalf of the entire Town of Manchester, we offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Town Manager Steve Stephanou said Agostinelli demonstrated an "unwavering commitment" to the :success of Manchester."

He added, "Whether it was serving as Mayor or chairing volunteer initiatives, or even just offering input and support, Nate was a tireless champion for the Manchester community and devoted his life to serving the public. Up to as recent as last week, Mr. Agostinelli was closely involved with several community initiatives happening in Manchester. On a personal level, Mr. Agostinelli was incredibly generous to me in offering support and advice in my role as Town Manager. Along with everyone else in Manchester, I will deeply miss Nate and hope that his unwavering optimism, civility, and kindness will serve as a model for the rest of us."

He was a graduate of Manchester High School and a student at Hillyer College in Hartford and the University of Connecticut.

Agostinelli served in the United States Army during the Korean War as well as in the U.S. Army Reserve and Connecticut Army National Guard, where he reached the rank of brigadier general.

He was also appointed by the Secretary of the Army to be a civilian aide to the secretary representing Connecticut and director of selective service for the state under President Clinton.

Agostinelli served as president of Manchester State Bank, and is the only Manchester resident elected to state office, having served — as state comptroller.

Agostinelli was also affiliated with a broad range of local organizations in addition to a variety of local schools, churches, veterans associations, banking associations, and government initiatives.

He was the son of Italian immigrants who was involved with Unico, an Italian-American service organization, along with the Army & Navy Club.

Agostinelli received more than 20 awards for service in both military and civilian spheres, including a Presidential Commendation and the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal presented by the Secretary of the Army.

Veterans Memorial Park was re-named in his honor in 2021.