Antonio F. DiReda

Antonio F. DiReda, 87 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 18, 2017 at Shrewsbury Nursing Home. Antonio was born in Worcester, a son to the late Antonio and Grazia (Galantino) DiReda.  He attended Commerce High School and had lived in Worcester all his life. He served his country proudly during the Korean War for the United States Navy. Antonio was a general foreman for the City of Worcester for 36 years before retiring in 1993.  He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, the East Side Improvement Club, the American Legion Post 201, and the Italian American Post 3.  He enjoyed gardening, walking and spending time with his friends especially his longtime childhood friend, Buddy Simone. Antonio is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary E. (Neddo) DiReda; two sons, Anthony S. DiReda and his wife Sandra and Steven G. DiReda and his wife Susan all of Shrewsbury; a daughter, G. Susan Foley and her husband Michael of Jefferson; eight grandchildren, Stefanie Risotti and her husband Daniel of Boston, Michael DiReda of Worcester, Sean Foley of Boston, Brendan and Mikaela Foley both of Jefferson, Steven G. DiReda, Jr., Samantha and Sarah DiReda all of Shrewsbury.  He is predeceased by his brother, Bartholomeo DiReda and his wife Lorraine, and their son Robert DiReda.       Services for Antonio will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass of Christina Burial at 10:30 am in Saint Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury.  Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.  Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Antonio’s family on Thursday, September 21th from 4-7 pm in the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Veterans, Inc., Grove Street, Worcester, MA. 01609. To share your thoughts and memories of Antonio, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.