Theresa Bafaro

It is with great sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of two wonderful people and members of the Bafaro family, Francis Bafaro, 69, who passed away on Monday, December 28th, 2020, and his sister Theresa Bafaro, 73, just two weeks later on Wednesday, January 13th, 2021, both from complications of COVID. 

They were both born in Worcester to Frank and Mary (Pingatore) Bafaro; Theresa born on March 30, 1947, and Francis on June 22, 1951. They were raised on Vernon Street, educated in Worcester and were lifelong Worcester residents. They committed themselves to family and each other. Theresa, kind and caring, always willing to help someone, cared for her parents notably her mother after her father passed. Francis was a kind and generous person whom everyone loved. Both Theresa and Francis worked in the family business JJ Bafaro Inc. for over 40 years alongside their brothers and nephews; Theresa served as Vice President and Francis as a sheet metal fabricator. It is a true family company, where Theresa and Francis took great pride in their work.  

They are survived by their brother Joseph J. Bafaro and his wife June and their sister Sara M. Howard both of Shrewsbury; nieces and nephews they treated as their own children, Michael, Glenn and Christopher Gerardi, Tracy Dubay, Jack, Lori, Matthew and Michael Howard, Lisa Fitzgerald, Joseph Bafaro, Jr, Michael Bafaro, Laura Marchand, Frank Bafaro and Amanda Speed; 29 grandnieces and grandnephews; Theresa’s close friend and companion Charles Glodas; extended family and friends. Three of their siblings predeceased them, Carl “Tony” and Richard Bafaro and Lorraine Blais.  

Theresa enjoyed the beach, traveling, spending time with family and friends and found a purpose ensuring that her mother was well cared for in her declining years. Francis had many hobbies including making models, collecting stamps and coins, and weight lifting. Together they loved watching television, especially their favorite shows, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and their favorite sports teams the Red Sox and Patriots.  

Out of an abundance of caution for friends and family, funeral services for both will be held privately. They will be buried together, next to their parents and brothers in St John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St John’s Food for the Poor, 44 Temple Street Worcester.  The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.  Theresa and Francis's funeral mass will be live streamed for those wishing to watch beginning at 10 am, Saturday, January 30th by visiting www.mercadantefuneral.com and clicking on live services.