John A. Cosenza

John A. Cosenza, 85 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at Knollwood Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family. John is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Rose E. (Lupisella) Cosenza; two daughters, Tina Berthiaume and her husband Robert of Holden and Cara Fleming of Oakham; two sisters, Jean Cummings and Sylvia Gerardi both of Worcester; two beloved grandchildren Rosangeline "Rosie" Fleming and D. Zachary Berthiaume; many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by three sisters, Mary Simmarano, Louise Fulginiti and Virginia Gallati. John was born in Long Island, New York, the son of the late Nunziato and Angelina (Rigeri) Cosenza. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade. John enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1951 where he served his country during the Korean War. He was the owner and a hairdresser of Mr. John's House of Hair design where he ran a successful business for 40 years, retiring in 1980 and was also the owner of Nymor Sign Company. John was a member of the Worcester Craft Center for over 10 years where he studied woodworking and finishing. He was extremely passionate about woodworking where he built hundreds of pieces of colonial furniture and birdhouses. He was a member of the Rotary Club as well as a charter member of the West Boylston Rotary Club and served as their president and was also an early member of Pleasant Valley Country Club for 20 years. John enjoyed sports especially golf, the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. John was known for his generosity and original wit and he loved his grandchildren. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Summit Eldercare and Knollwood Nursing Home for the outstanding care given to John during his time of need. Services for John will be held on Friday, November 21, 2014 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with his funeral mass at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd. Worcester. Burial will follow in Saint John's Cemetery, Worcester. A period of calling hours will be held on Friday morning from 9-10:30 a.m. in the funeral home prior to his funeral mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of John can be made to a charity of your choice. To share your thoughts and memories of John, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.