Lena (Simone) Caruso

Angelina “Lena” (Simone) Caruso, 84, of Bradenton, Florida and Shrewsbury, passed away Wednesday, October 5th 2016 with the family she cherished gathered at her side. Lena was born in Shrewsbury, one of five children of Ignazio and Margaret (Del’lorto) Simone.  She grew up and graduated from Shrewsbury High School.    In 1951, Lena married George “Chick” Caruso and for the next 42 years, shared a storybook marriage of love and family until George passed away in 1993.   Lena continued to reside in Shrewsbury and Florida until her passing.  Lena is survived by two daughters, Deborah Caruso and longtime companion Robert DeRoche, Margaret Mastromatteo and husband Frank with whom she lived in Shrewsbury.  She also leaves her longtime companion, Phillip Vernieri with whom she spent the last wonderful years of her life with;  four grandchildren, Anthony Mastromatteo and his wife Deirdre, Jill Mastromatteo and her fiancé Joseph Ginisi, Michael Halloran and his wife Lindsey, and Angela Halloran; five great grandchildren, Lexus, Michael, McKenna, Gino and Gia; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  Two brothers, George “Skip” Simone and Bernard “Blackie” Simone, and two sisters, Julia Messina and Virginia Amato all predeceased her.      Lena was the manager of Commerce Bank for over 20 years before her retirement in 1986.  She was a member of St. Anne’s Church, a former longtime member of the Froshinn Club and Peridia Golf and Country Club in Bradenton, FL.  Lena loved life and anything that kept her young.  She loved golfing, traveling, cruising, dancing, and gambling.   Lena was the backbone of her family.  She cherished being with family and friends, especially enjoying the holidays, and attending her grandchildren and great grandchildren activities.  She loved being surrounded by her family and cherished traditions they created together, one being Thursday “Roni” night. Lena’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all the staff at the Jewish Healthcare Center for the care and compassion they gave to Lena. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 7th at 1 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Worcester.  Burial next to her husband and mother will follow in Mt View Cemetery.   A period of calling hours will be held, Friday, October 7th from 11:30 to the start of the service at 1pm in the funeral home.  Flowers are welcome or memorial remembrances in Lena’s name can be made to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.  To share your thoughts, memories or prayers with Lena’s family, please visit her personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com