Adam Agnello

Thank you all who gather here to celebrate the life of Adam.

Adam Henry Agnello (February 25 1978-November 16 2024) passed away unexpectedly in Putnam, CT at the age of 46. He was born in Forest Grove, Oregon to his mother, Evonne Agnello of Tacoma, Washington and his father, John Agnello of Brainerd, Minnesota, both of whom he is survived by. He was also survived by his two cats, Percy and Hazel, for whom he had great affection.

Adam graduated in 2000 from the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Furniture Design. He held a lifelong passion for fine woodworking and hand tools. He was immensely creative with his design, and had both a distinct style and innate ability to highlight the natural beauty of the materials he worked with.

His heart was in the restoration and preservation of antique hand planes, blades, and sharpening stones. He was a perfectionist, and would often 'burn the midnight oil,' as he would say, working tirelessly to create a mirrorglass-finish on his projects. Adam loved more than anything to spend long hours in his basement workshop, often with an "open-garage" policy, welcoming visitors to stop in and pass time with him, sharing stories, tools, and tricks of the trade. Adam was also a skilled billiards player, with several wins under his belt, including a victory with his 9-Ball Team in 2010 that took him out to compete nationally in Las Vegas.

Adam was well-loved by his many friends and was known to be a supportive and dependable friend to all, who was quick with a smile and never took himself too seriously. A deeply generous man, he truly gave more than he took from this world. He held in great esteem Eastern spiritualism, which influenced his life and his impact on the world around him. Adam harbored a distinct stillness within him that allowed him to flow along with the stream of life. Those who knew him well remember him to be patient, gentle, forgiving, and with a deep respect for nature and his understanding of a universal order.

At his request, no services will be held, but please raise a glass with people you love in his remembrance. Adam wished his friends to remember him without sadness, but instead through the countless warm experiences we shared with him along the way. His family would love if you honored him by sharing your memories and stories here. Humor, as was always his way, is welcome.

I am truly my best self for having been close with Adam. He will always be within me, and within all of us. I hope to always live my life in a way that honors him, by extending to all who I meet the same warm light he has extended to me.

Jesse Knust