Dorothy R D'Onofrio

Dorothy "Rita" (Urso) D'Onofrio, 89, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 4, 2011, in her home. Her husband of 56 years, Charles A. D'Onofrio, predeceased her on August 4. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her. Mrs. D'Onofrio is survived by a son, Michael D'Onofrio, and his wife Joan of Marlborough; a daughter, Rosemary Snow of Worcester; five grandchildren, Luke D'Onofrio, Bret D'Onofrio and Cole D'Onofrio, Jesse Snow, and Rachel Snow; a brother, Gennaro Urso of Worcester; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother and three sisters, Anthony Urso, Sylvia Latino, Irene Urso, and Mildred Virga. Mrs. D'Onofrio was born in Worcester, the daughter of Gennaro and Rose (Pane) Urso. She attended Commerce High School and began her career at New England Telephone Company, where she spent 12 years working as a switchboard operator. Mrs. D'Onofrio also worked as a switchboard operator for Commerce Bank in Worcester. She retired from Commerce Bank in 1985 after 13 years. She was a member of the Beato Angelo D'Acri Society, the Golden Years Club of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, St. Christopher Women's Guild, and the Seniors Group at St. Christopher Church. She spent time between her homes in Worcester and Cape Cod with her family. She was an accomplished cook and baker, and she was passionate about helping others. Her Funeral will be held Friday, October 7, from Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint Christopher Church, 950 West Boylston Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held tonight, Thursday, October 6, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.mercadantefuneral.com