Arthur A. Porcaro

Arthur A. "Artie" Porcaro Sr., 79, of Worcester and Dennisport passed away peacefully Monday, October 18th 2010 at home with his beloved family and friends at his side after a courageous fight with cancer. Artie is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 58 years, Rose G. (Colombo) Porcaro; his two cherished sons, Arthur A. "Butch" Porcaro, Jr., his wife Cheryl and their children Keith and Melissa Porcaro , Michael Porcaro and his wife Kaitlyn; and Donald Porcaro, Sr. and his sons, Donald Porcaro Jr. and Dominic Porcaro, all of Worcester; his brothers and sisters, James G. Porcaro of Shrewsbury, Rose Sciascia-Walsh of Auburn, Dorothy Godin-Kowalski of Worcester, Margaret and husband Anthony Ferraro, Betty Ann Fortin, Alfred A. Porcaro, Gerald "Jerry" Porcaro and wife Grace of Shrewsbury, Ann Frascolla of Worcester, Barbara Blanding and her husband Edmund; a brother in law Francis Dupre, and many nieces, nephews, and numerous friends around the state of Massachusetts. A sister, Lena Dupre and a brother, Rocco Porcaro pre deceased him. Artie was born in Worcester, April 28, 1931, the son of the late Anthony and Assunta (Letrenta) Porcaro. He graduated from Commerce High and Worcester Junior College and has lived here all his life. Arthur co-owned and operated Porcaro's Market and Deli in Dennisport, MA with his son Donald where he could be found daily greeting and involved in conversation with just about every customer. He previously owned Worcester Ruling and Binding Co. in Worcester. Artie was also a licensed Real Estate Broker for many years. Artie was a Korean War, U.S. Army Veteran serving two years in Korea. He also served several years as a member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard 1st BN, 181st Infantry. Artie was an active member of his community: he was an active founding member of Our Lady of Loreto Parish supervising and chairing many of its church functions. He was also a strong supporter of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church serving on many committees there also. Arthur was a member for the past 63 years of the Worcester Lodge # 168, Order of Sons of Italy; He began as a member of the Worcester Junior Lodge as a teenager and remained an active member of local, State Grand Lodge and National committees including the Columbus Day Parade for many years. Artie and his wife Rose were honored by the local lodge with The Annual Achievement Award, and in 2008 recognized by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts with its highest award the Golden Lion award. He was a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Worcester State Hospital. He was a proud member of the Eastside Post 201, American Legion, The Democratic City Committee and chaired many charitable committees over the years for friends in need. He was a former member of the Pope John Council Knights of Columbus. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Thursday, October 21st from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Arties funeral will be celebrated Friday October 22nd from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:30 am in his beloved church Our Lady of Loreto, 37 Massasoit Rd. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions made to the Sons of Italy Scholarship Fund Worcester Lodge #168, P. O. Box 2371, Worcester Ma, 01613. Members of the Worcester Lodge #168 will gather at the funeral home at 7:30 pm Thursday, October 21st to conduct their ritual. The family wants to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Kronlund and Linda Salmonsen of Fallon Clinic, Dr. Debrorah Schragg and staff at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the VNA Care Network and Hospice staff for the exceptional dedication and care given to Artie.