Joseph E Groccia

Joseph E. Groccia, 58, of Worcester passed away after a brief illness, Thursday February 14th 2013 with his family by his side. Joseph was born in Worcester, a son of Charles and Rose Marie (Back) Groccia. He grew up in the Massasoit Road section of Worcester, graduated from North High and lived here ever since. Joe worked most of his career in the food service industry, beginning with the meat department at Economy Foods in Worcester and moving through a 25 year career with Stop & Shop at many locations including Grafton Street, Worcester before retiring from the Grafton, MA store. For a period of time Joe owned and operated his own meat specialty store, June Street Meats and More in Worcester. Joe was always interested in wood working and carpentry, and after leaving Stop & Shop he founded Valley View Building & Remodeling which he owned and operated for over 5 years. Joe is survived by the family he loves so much, his devoted daughter Kerry L. Samalis and her husband Stephen of Auburn; Joseph E. Groccia, Jr. and his fiancé Mariana Marconcini of Ft. Pierce Florida; his brother, Charles J. Groccia of Northboro; sisters Cynthia A. Monahan of Worcester and Karyn M. Louwagie of Chattanooga TN; three grandchildren he cherished, Jacob Berger, Giana Samalis, and Lindsey Groccia; his former wife Dorothy (Bleau) Leibman; his aunt and godmother Rosemarie (Groccia) D'Alesandro of Shrewsbury; his aunt Marguerite (Back) Serra of Largo, FL; dog and best friend Saber; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Three grandchildren, Jeremy, Jenna and Julia all pre deceased him. Joe was a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1445. He loved country music, attending concerts, and working with his hands. Most special to Joe however were his grandchildren. He devoted all his spare time to them and found those special moments with them. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Tuesday, February 19th 2013 from 5 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Wednesday February 20th from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery.