Patricia Ann DeAgostino
Patricia Ann DeAgostino
Patricia Ann (Sayklly) DeAgostino passed away at the age of 72 on Saturday, December 27, 2025 following a brief acute illness. Patti suffered for many years from Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, which ultimately led to her being bedbound at home. She was cared for by a stellar cadre of medical professionals, CNAs, and her husband Mike in their Long Lake Township home a few miles southwest of the Traverse City limits, where she was happy and comfortable.
Patti was a powerhouse in her prime. Perhaps her most enduring legacy will be her institution of the summertime free community Concerts on the Lawn at Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City.
Patti was born on September 17, 1953 in Escanaba, Michigan. She graduated from Holy Name Catholic High School in Escanaba in 1971. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a double-major Bachelor Degree in Journalism and Russian in 1975. She earned her Masters Degree in Communications from Eastern Michigan University at the Northwestern Michigan College University Center in 2000.
During her career she worked for the U of M Medical Center, the Escanaba Daily Press as Special Sections and Lifestyle Editor, as Legal Assistant to Traverse City Attorney Harry Calcutt, as Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Interlochen Center for the Arts, as Program Representative and Marketing Specialist for Spring Arbor College in Traverse City, as Director of the History Center in Traverse City, and as Director of Marketing and Community Relations at Grand Traverse Pavilions.
While at the Escanaba Daily Press she also freelanced occasionally as a Stringer/Reporter for The Detroit News, Milwaukee Journal, and The Associated Press. Health concerns forced her into early retirement in 2017.
Patti and her husband, Joseph Michael DeAgostino (Mike) were married at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Escanaba on June 18, 1983 and moved to Traverse City early in 1987. They had no children.
Among many awards Patti earned during her career, her proudest was First Place Runner-up 1998 National Press Women Communicator of Achievement. Among many memberships were the National Press Women, the Society of Professional Journalists, and Public Relations Society of America. She served in several regional organizations including as President of the Michigan Chapter of the National Press Women, and as a member of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Grand Traverse. She was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Traverse City.
Patti was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Bernice Sayklly of Escanaba, and by her brother Bill also of Escanaba. She is survived by her husband Mike, her beloved Uncle Don Sayklly, Aunt Shirley Sayklly, and by many cousins.
The family would like to especially thank Patti’s CNA caregivers – Shelley, Amanda, and Stephanie – who tenderly helped care for Patti at home for several years.
A Rosary and Memorial Service honoring Patti will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 6th Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.
A second memorial service in Patti’s honor will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Skradski Funeral Home, 118 S 12th St, Escanaba, MI 49829 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be directed to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Food Pantry in Traverse City.
Following the memorial services, cremation will take place, and Patti will be laid to rest at Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Escanaba, near her family. Kindly share thoughts and memories with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.