Mary A. Kunigonis

WORCESTER - Mary A. (Consiglio) Kunigonis, of Worcester, a loving sister, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully at home Friday, March 14th 2014, with the family she so loved gathered by her side at the age of 92. Mary was born in Worcester, one of eight children of Italian immigrants Anthony and Jennie (Mastrapasqua) Consiglio. She was raised and educated in Worcester. She married at a young age to her first love John C. Fisher; together they began to raise their family, John joined the U.S. Army when World War II broke out to serve his country. During the battle of the bulge, John was killed in action. After World War II ended, Mary met and re-married her beloved second husband Alphonse J. Kunigonis. Alphonse served his country proudly as a Sergeant in the United States Army. He served for over forty four months fighting in Africa, Italy and at the Battle of the Bulge where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart medal. After settling in Worcester, Mary and Alphonse started a family and had two more sons Peter and Paul. Sadly in 1963, Mary lost her second husband Alphonse and was once again a widow. Mary began her employed years with Richard Healy Co., Her cooking skills unsurpassable, She established her own restaurant in Shrewsbury, Mary K's Kitchen for many years , where she were was best known. Closing the business, Mary accepted work with family friend Fred Potenti at the Four Seasons Restaurant where Mary worked for over 40 years retiring at the age of 80. With her abundant personality Mary would greet you at the four seasons entrance, seat you at your favorite booth and had your meal ordered before you even knew what you wanted. In keeping with her Italian heritage, Christmas Eves at Mary's house was an open door to family and friends. The aromas of her red gravy and fried calamari filled the neighborhood. Sunday mornings were also a big event; the coffee was perking, the bacon and eggs frying and the children running about. No one would ever leave Mary's house hungry. To her children and grandchildren's displeasure Mary was an avid Yankee's Fan. She was also a major supporter of the Massachusetts State Lottery and could always hold her own in any political debate, not shying away from expressing her own opinion. She will be greatly missed. Mary's husband Alphonse passed away in 1963; She is survived by her devoted family, sons, Atty John C. Fisher, Jr. and his wife Paula, Peter A. Kunigonis and his wife Janet, Paul A. Kunigonis and his best friend Rebekah. Sophie Shea from Shrewsbury is Mary's much loved sister and best friend. Sophie is the last surviving sibling of eight children form Jenny and Anthony. The grandchildren that were her inspiration, Caren Sande and her husband Craig, Amy Collette and her husband Michael, Michael Kunigonis and his wife Amy, and Kelsey Kunigonis; her great grandchildren, Matthew, Ryan, Logan, Olivia and Julia; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends including her two wonderful friends Betty Jew and Fred Potenti. Mary was predeceased by three brothers, Peter A., Laurence and Maurice Consiglio, and sisters, Isabelle Sterans, Lena Grilla and Dorothy Fienen. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Monday, March 17th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral will be celebrated Tuesday, March 18th from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Burial next to her husband will follow in St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Mary's belief in trying to help everyone she could, memorial contributions in her name can be made to a charity of the donor's choice . The family would like to thank the VNA and its Home Health Staff caregivers for the exceptional care, comfort and compassion they gave to Mary.