Natick mourns John Crisafulli, decorated U.S. Marine, longtime educator & generous volunteer

Natick mourns the passing this month of Agostino John Crisafulli, 88, a man whose contributions to his country, town, family and friends are immeasurable. He is survived by five children, all of whom live fairly close by.

Mr. Crisafulli’s formal obituary states that he graduated from Natick High in 1950, then served in the U.S. Marine Corps. during the Korean War, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with valor. He graduated from Boston College and went on to teach and serve as an elementary school principal in Natick. He served the town as a Town Meeting Member, School Committee M]member, and a member of the Natick Service Counsel, and volunteered for numerous organization, including veterans groups.

Natick Director of Veterans Services Paul Carew, a close friend, shared a statement of remembrance about Mr. Crisafulli near the start of this week’s Natick Select Board meeting. He expressed thanks and relief that Mr. Crisafulli was honored with the dedication of Agostino John Crisafulli Square at the intersection of Cottage and Cross Streets just last November.

“Thanks God that we got it done when we did,” Carew said. “He was so proud of that.”

You can hear from Mr. Crisafulli in his own words through the Natick Veterans Oral History Project interview embedded below.