Louis T. Genatossio

Louis T. Genatossio, 81 of Shrewsbury passed away at home just shy of his 82nd birthday with his beloved family gathered beside him on June 19th 2013 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Lou was born in Worcester, on August 2, 1931, the 12th of 13 children of Italian Immigrants Carlo and Caroline (Pasquale) Genatossio. He grew up in his much loved Italian neighborhood of Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. He attended Worcester schools, joined the U.S. Military to serve his country during the Korean War with the U.S. Army Armor Command. During his service in Korea, Lou earned the Bronze Star for heroism. He also earned the purple heart for wounds suffered . Lou returned from Korea and began his employment in the family business with his brothers, Genatossio Brothers Oil and Ice. At the same time he met the love of his life Helen Surabian and in 1955 they married and began a lifetime of beautiful memories over the next 58 years. Together they settled in Shrewsbury to raise their family. Lou is survived by his cherished family, his wife Helen; sons, Louis F. Genatossio and his wife Barbara of Shrewsbury, Stephen M. Genatossio and his wife Lisa of Holden; his daughters, Maria DiVerdi and her husband Robert of Paxton, Caroline Current and her husband John of Shrewsbury; eight grandchildren he cherished and who cherished him; Vanessa, Nina, and Jackson Genatossio, Robert, Rocco, and Joseph DiVerdi, Chloe and Lylah Current. Lou also leaves a brother, Frank Genatossio and sister Antoinette Genatossio both of Worcester; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. A grandson, Louis-Rocco DiVerdi, brothers, Leo, Phillip, Domenic, Anthony and Lawrence Genatossio, and sisters Lucy Morrissey, Ann Toloczko, Julia Zona and Mary Genatossio all predeceased him. In 1978, Lou and his family opened a business in Worcester, "Sneakerama". Lou enjoyed mentoring the many young employees who worked there over the years, giving a healthy dose of advice and self-confidence and forging friendships with customers from all walks of life. He always had a story to share or help to offer. Lou retired in 1999 and was thrilled to see his legacy continue and so proud that the business he started has endured for 35 years. Lou found his greatest joy in life with his family. His children and grandchildren were the lights of his life; he never missed dance recitals, sporting events, plays, or any activity his family was involved in that he could attend. He enjoyed the times they could be together, at home in Shrewsbury, and on the beaches of his favorite place on earth, Cape Cod. He loved visiting Boston, attending Red Sox games, fishing, driving his sports car around New England and spending time on the ocean. He loved to travel with Helen, socialize, enjoy a glass of wine, a good conversation or just spend time with his family. His big smile and larger than life personality could light up any room he entered. He also had a love of Golf and found his second career after retirement on many golf courses with his life-long friends. He indeed was " the life of the party!" He had many life-long friends and continued to make new ones on a daily basis. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Lou was active in his community; He was a member of the Eastside Post 201 American Legion, the Men's Biscegliese Society, the Greendale Retired men's club, Wachusett Country Club, and the Adelphi Council Knights of Columbus in Shrewsbury. . Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester. His funeral will be held Monday, June 24th from the funeral home, follow by a Mass at 10:00 am in St Mary's Church, 640 Main St. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Mt View Cemetery. Flowers may be sent or Memorial contributions made to the Make A Wish Foundation, 1 Bullfinch Place, #201, Boston Mass 02114. The Genatossio family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. David Shepro and his entire staff , Dr. Magdelena Boelsteryl and the hospice nurses of the Metro West Homecare Hospice, for all their kindness, caring love and support.