Richard A. Collaro

Richard A. Collaro, 79 of Worcester, a loving father, grandfather, and brother passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2015 surrounded by his family. Richard was born on December 11, 1935 in Worcester, Massachusetts and was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Collaro, Sr. and his mother Rose (DiPlilato) Collaro. He was a graduate of Commerce High School and has lived in Worcester, Massachusetts all of his life. Richard is survived by his three daughters, Kristina Johnson and her husband Benjamin Andrew Johnson, Sr., of Atlanta, GA; Carmen LeClair and her husband Lawrence of Fitchburg; and Angela Dalessio of Shrewsbury; a sister, Rose Marie Carelli of Worcester and a brother, Andrew Collaro, Jr. of Shrewsbury; five adored grandchildren, Sasha and Benjamin Andrew Johnson, Jr., Olivia and Sophia Zeena and Kevin Curtis. He also leaves nieces and nephews. Richard worked for The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass Pike) for over 25 years. He was fiercely loyal in all aspects of his life, of course supporting his Red Sox and Patriots as well as his long-time group of friends, sipping coffee and reminiscing about old times. More than anything, he was devoted to his three daughters, Carmen, Angela and Kristina. His most cherished times were spent sitting back and enjoying what they all had become, especially proud of his wonderful grandchildren Olivia, Sophia, Kevin, Sasha and Benjamin. Family, friends, and others whose lives Richard touched are invited to MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 and again at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann's Church, 24 Mulberry Street, Worcester, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow to Saint John's Cemetery in Worcester. Flowers are welcomed or contribution may be sent in Richards's memory to Alzheimer's Association 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472. To make an online donation please visit the Associations' website at www.alz.org. To share your thoughts and memories of Richard, please sign his personal guestbook by clicking above on the sigh guestbook icon.