Fiqiri Progri

Fiqiri Progri, 79, of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at UMass Hospital.   Fiqiri is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Lumturi Progri; a daughter, Adriana Dine and her husband Anesti of Worcester; a son, Ilir Progri of Worcester; a brother Robert Progri of Tirana, Albania; two granddaughters, Rafailia and Alexia Dine; a great grandson, Adonis Encarnacion; several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by a brother and a sister, Lulzim Progri and Tefta Babali.  He was born in Korça, Albania, son of Xhevdet and Bheije Progri, and lived in Albania most of his life, moving to Worcester in 2000.   Fiqiri was a talented artist, who was not only a painter, but a sketch artist, and folkloric costume designer as well.  He wrote poetry and other short stories and articles related to art and art history.  Fiqiri also worked in the House of Culture in Korça, Albania  where he also promoted the revitalization of folklore and related costumes of the Korça county. Before retirement he taught drawing as an art teacher in the middle (or high) schools of Korça, Albania.  He was a member of the Albanian Writers and Art Association (or Binding), and was awarded First Prize in a National Art Competition.    His desire was for people to be immersed in and to enjoy all that art had to offer; he proudly shared art in his private galleries in Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, and here in Worcester.   Fiqiri was a man who possessed a wonderful sense of humor and was gifted with tremendous social skills.  He will be remembered for his art, but more importantly as a wonderful and exceptional husband, father, grandfather, and son.    Calling Hours will be on Wednesday, March 7, from 5 pm to 8 pm in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  His Funeral Service will be on Thursday at 11:30 am in the funeral home, followed by interment services in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.