Paul F Bastardi

Paul F. Bastardi, 91, of Worcester died unexpectedly Monday February 13, 2017 at home. His loving wife of 49 years, Mary (Gulia) Bastardi, died August 12, 1995. Paul, who was affectionately known to both family and friends as “Uncle Paul”, leaves his nieces and nephews: Mary Jane Bodinizzo, Catherine Bodinizzo, Nicholas Bodin ( with whom he lived ), Paul Bodin, John Bodin, Stephen Laug, Judith Calhoun, Mark Laug, Thomas Laug, Matthew Laug, Barbara Jean Gowdy, Marie Ann Dalton, Judith Clark, Steven Kent, Grace Porcaro, Maria Sawicki, David Campanale, Nicholas Campanale, Carol Campanale and many great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews.  Paul is survived by two sisters-in-law: Pasqua Bodinizzo and Della Mae Kent and a brother-in-law George Laug.  He also leaves many close friends who were like family to him and numerous acquaintances. Paul was predeceased by his brother, Michael Kent, two sisters, Marie Sawicki and Tina Campanale, a niece, Catherine (Kitty) Laconto, a nephew, Daniel Boyle, brother-in-law: Peter Bodinizzo, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Egidio and Helen Gulia, and sister-in-law: Rita Laug. Paul was born in Worcester son of the late Leonardo and Domenica (DiCosmo) Bastardi and lived here all his life. He was a graduate of Belmont Prep. and North High School Class of 1943.  Paul served his Nation proudly in the United States Navy during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He served as a radio operator on the USS Sampson and USS Eldonado. He received several Service Medals. Upon returning to Worcester, he worked at S.S. Kresege Company. He subsequently worked for over 60 years for The Bayer & Mingolla Construction Company and J.H. Lynch & Sons Inc., his “second home”, where he was still working at the time of his death. Paul was one of those special people who came from “The Greatest Generation”.  He was always there to help anyone in need. He was a longtime member of Our Lady of Fatima, now Our Lady of Providence. He served on the Church’s Finance Committee and taught CCD for many years. He was the Scout Master of Troop 85 for more than 25 years. He was a devout Catholic who loved his parish family, and he was very proud to serve as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector for many years.  Paul was a member of the East Side Post #201 American Legion and also the Knights of Columbus, Pope John XIII Council.   Paul loved travelling, especially with his wife Mary.  He also enjoyed reading, gardening and spending precious time with his family and friends. Paul’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. Worcester, MA with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of Providence Church (formerly St. Bernard's Church ), 228 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA.  Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester, MA.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be on Monday evening February 20, 2017, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Paul and Mary Bastardi Memorial Fund in care of Our Lady of Providence Church at the above address. To leave a message of condolence or share a special memory of Paul, please visit his memorial site at mercadantefuneral.com.  Members of the East Side Post #201 will recite their Ritual at 6:00 PM.  Members of the Pope John XXIII Council will meet at 6:30 PM to perform their Ritual.