Joseph "Mr Joe" Fenuccio

Joseph A. Fenuccio, 80 of Worcester, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 with his devoted wife Paula and his best friend and pet Mallory gathered at his bedside.  Joseph was born and raised in a large Italian family in Worcester, one of twelve children to Fiore and Raphaela (Garritanio) Fenuccio.  He graduated from Commerce High School, joined the U.S. Army serving his country as a radio operator, notably present during testing of the Atomic Bomb in the Nevada Desert.   Upon discharge from the service, Joe became a mason by trade and worked his trade for the Bricklayer’s Union Local 3 on many construction projects in New England before retiring.  In addition to his daily job, Joseph would help family and friends in his spare time on mason projects of their own.  Joe’s first wife, Gloria (Irwin) Fenuccio passed away in 1997.  Eight years later, Joe married the second “Love of his Life” Paula (Devlin) Direnzo and enjoyed the next twelve years in love and family.  Beside’s his wife Paula, he is survived by his children, Donna M. Kenneally of Oxford, Peter M. Fenuccio and his wife Lisa of Worcester, Joseph Direnzo and his wife Kim, Kimberly DiGioia and her husband Gino all of Worcester; three brothers, William Fenuccio of Westborough, Carlo Fenuccio of Worcester and Richard “Dick” Fenuccio of Mashpee; three sisters, Virginia Caricchio, Jeanette McGurl and Anne Marie Carney all of Worcester; 13 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his best friend and pet dog, Mallory; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.   Besides his first wife Gloria, Joseph was predeceased by his stepson, Richard “Ricky” Direnzo, Jr.; brothers, John, Frank “Sooky” and Raymond “Lefty” Fenuccio and sisters, Josephine Mandella and Eileen Paolucci.   Joe was a member of Our Lady of Loreto Church, the Worcester Detachment of the Marine Corps League, Quinsigamond Post 318, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 4, and the International bricklayers and allied craftsmen local 3.   Gifted with the ability to work with his hands, Joe loved woodworking and could be found building chairs, stools, napkin holders or anything wood for anyone in his family that needed something.   He enjoyed repairing anything that needed fixing, his garden, traveling to the White Mountains where he notably climbed Mt. Washington and he loved his family.  Always joyful, a wide broad smile, and prankster, Joe would always be able to ease people when he entered a room.  His presence will be sorely missed.  Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Monday, November 27th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  His funeral will be held Tuesday, November 28th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd. where his celebration of life Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am.  Burial with military honors will follow in St John Cemetery.