Nicola Smarra

Nicola Smarra, of Worcester, passed away peacefully, Monday, March 27, 2017 with his family gathered at his bedside. He joins his wife Addolorata and daughter Maria Smarra-Pierce in heaven at the age of 89.    Nicola was born in San Clemente, province of Caserta, Italy, one of six children of Domenico and Maria (DiPazio) Smarra. Educated in Italy, Nicola joined the Italian Army serving his country proudly.   Shortly after his discharge from service, Nicola met and then married Addolorata Martone, his wife, of the next 59 years.   At the age of 40, with his growing family, Nicola searched for a better life for his family and moved to Montreal, Canada.  Several years later he secured an opportunity as a mason for the State of Massachusetts at Worcester State Hospital and immigrated to the United States.   He and his wife built a home for their family on the eastside of Worcester, off Plantation St. and he worked for the State for the next 19 plus years before he retired in 1987.  Nicola continued to apply his masonry skills for family and friends and was always willing to help with projects.       He is survived by his two sons, Domenic Smarra and his wife Anna of Oxford and Salvatore Smarra of Worcester;  his five grandchildren who made him smile, Cristina, Nicholas, Sierra, Salvatore II, and Lucia Smarra; a sister in San Clemente,  Italy, Giuseppina Torrentino: many nieces, nephews and extended family members in the U.S., Canada and Italy.   His  wife passed away in 2103, his daughter, Maria passed away in 2012; a brother, Salvatore Smarra and three sisters, Isabella Mangalardi, Concetta Della-Peruta and Giovanna Santovito also predeceased him.    In Nicola’s life there was nothing that made him happier than his family, especially his grandchildren.  When he was around them he was filled with pride and joy.   He enjoyed traveling to Italy and Canada to see family. Every summer Nicola could be found tending his garden and fruit trees.  Whenever family and friends stopped by, as they often did, he always made sure they returned home with fruits and vegetables. Nicola was an avid wine maker and shared his passion for making wine with his children and grandchildren. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Thursday, March 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOM & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.   His funeral will be held Friday, March 31st from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd. where Msgr. Stephen Pedone will celebrate his life at 9:30 am.  Entombment next to his wife Addolorata and daughter Maria will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum.