Agostino “Gus” Tempesta of Somerville passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 11 at the Belmont Manor Nursing Center. He was 99 years old. Agostino was born in Orsogna, Abruzzi, Italy in 1920 to the late Francesco and Giacinta (Galante) Tempesta and emigrated to the North End neighborhood of Boston in 1937. The family moved to Somerville in 1951, where he resided until 2017.

Agostino was very close to his family, whom he loved as they all adored him, including his beloved brother Frank Tempesta and his wife Marilyn, his nieces Elisabeth Ferreira of Nashua, NH, and Susan Tempesta of Charlotte, NC, his nephew Mark Tempesta of Winchester, MA, his great-nephew Kevin Ferreira of Epping, NH, his great niece Jennie Ferreira-Bolger and her husband Justin Bolger of West Roxbury, and his great niece Nicole Soubosky of Somerville.

Agostino retired from Container Corporation of America after more than 30 years. Adored by all his neighbors and known as the most gentle of men, Agostino was well known for his large garden of tomatoes, peppers, beans, zucchini, broccoli, basil, garlic, etc. along with a large grape arbor and pear trees. He loved to share his gardening experience with his nieces, nephew, and great-nieces and nephew. His passion earned him the City of Somerville Garden Award signed by the Mayor. He also loved to cook and was known for his wonderful pasta sauce.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please honor Agostino’s memory by making a contribution in his name to the Somerville Cares COVID-19 Fund at www.somervillema.gov/SomervilleCares