Charles A. D'Elia Sr.

Charles A. D'Elia Sr, 86, of Shrewsbury passed on to Eternal Life with our Lord on Sunday April 19, 2015, surrounded by his loving family at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester, after an illness. Born in Worcester, Charlie was the son of the late Pasquale and Theresa (Lopardo) D'Elia. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years Clara (Piccolomini) D'Elia of Shrewsbury, a son Charles D'Elia Jr of Shrewsbury, a daughter Anne (D'Elia) Constantine and two grandchildren, Christopher and Matthew, all of North Oxford. He leaves a sister Ann (D'Elia) Iandoli of Worcester. He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph D'Elia and Ralph (Jack) D'Elia, and his sisters; Camella Dintini, Mary Biscotti, Rose Palumbo, Rita McGlamory, Louise Graziano and Theresa McCarthy. Charlie also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews. Charlie graduated from North High School where he was an all city athlete. He also pitched for the College of the Holy Cross where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Languages, graduating in 1951. He earned his Master's Degree in Education at Worcester State University. Charlie served his country in the army, stationed in Germany during WW II. He was employed by the Worcester Public Schools, retiring after many years as the Department Head of Foreign Languages at North High School. Charlie served as both assistant and varsity football coach at North. He went on to coach both junior varsity basketball and baseball in which his teams won many inter-high championships. Many of Charlie's students still remember him today as a warm and caring educator who was always there to help. He was a former ITAM Vets State Commander and was a member of Post 3 Italian World War II Veterans and the East Side Post 201 American Legion. "Grampy" always enjoyed spending time with his two grandsons, who he completely adored. He also had a passion for gardening and always had a beautiful vegetable garden. Charlie enjoyed traveling and spending time on Cape Cod with his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church Restoration Fund, 24 Mulberry St. Worcester or Rose Monahan Hospice Home, 10 Judith Rd Worcester. The family would like to personally thank Rose Monahan Hospice Home for their care in Charlie's final days. Funeral services will be held from the Mercadante Funeral Home, 370 Plantation St, Worcester. Calling hours are from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Wednesday April 22, 2015. The Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church on Thursday April 23, 2015 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury. To leave a message of condolence for the family or share a special memory of Charles please visit his memorial site at mercadantefuneral.com