Nita R. D'Agostino

Nita D’Agostino, born October 29, 1951, passed away after a nearly four-year illness, leaving behind a life defined by love, sacrifice, service, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Nita was the daughter of the late Donato and Theresa Ricchiuti and the beloved sister of the late Maria “Mary” Mailey. Nita and Mary were more than sisters. They were best friends. Alongside their beloved cousin Lory, the three grew up together and shared a bond that lasted a lifetime. Through every season of life, they remained incredibly close, supporting one another through both the happiest moments and the hardest ones.

A graduate of Kennett High School, Nita went on to attend Liberty College, where she earned a degree in Spanish. She dedicated more than 40 years of her career to a nonprofit organization devoted to giving a voice to underserved communities, including low-income families, seniors, and undocumented workers. Nita and Mary shared not only a lifelong bond as sisters and best friends, but also a deep commitment to their work. Both believed wholeheartedly in the mission of the organization and in advocating for the people they served. They also treasured the people they worked alongside, many of whom became like family.

Nita became a young widow when she lost the love of her life, John, far too soon. She then devoted herself to their only child, Nicole Hartnett, sacrificing endlessly to give her every opportunity she could. There was truly nothing Nita would not do for her daughter. As Nicole grew and built a family of her own with her husband, Christen, Nita embraced the family they created with all her heart.

Nita later took on perhaps her favorite role of all: grandmother to Tyler, Kellen, Gabriella, and Preston. To them, she was simply the GOAT, the Greatest of All Time. If she wasn’t working, she was with her grandchildren, cheering from the sidelines, arriving with surprises, taking them shopping for no reason at all, and making sure each one knew just how deeply they were loved.

Nita also shared a special bond with her brother-in-law, Kris Mailey, who remained a tremendous source of love, friendship, and support following Mary’s passing. She deeply loved her niece and nephew, Laura and Justin, Justin’s wife Devon, and their children, Daniel and Adriana, whom she adored.

Nita will be remembered for her strength in the face of loss, her generosity, her life’s work helping others, and, above all, the extraordinary way she loved her family. Her absence leaves an enormous space, but the love she gave so freely will live on in all those fortunate enough to have known her.

She was deeply loved, will be deeply missed, and will remain forever at the heart of her family.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 10:00 am – 10:45 am at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380, followed by her funeral service at 11:00 am

Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery West Chester, PA.