Francis Billy Bastardo

Francis "Billy" Bastardo, 68, of Worcester passed away Monday, September 20th 2010 in the University of Massachusetts Hospital. Bill was born July 30, 1942, in Worcester; his parents were the late Benny and Mary (Browne) Bastardo. He graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, attended both New England School of Accounting and Clark University and has lived here all his life. In 1969, Bill met and married the love of his life, Irene M. (Simarano) Bastardo. Together they raised a cherished and devoted family of two sons, Robert W. Bastardo, Brian D. Bastardo and his wife Sheri, and three adoring grandchildren, Vanessa, Ryan, and Jake; he also leaves a brother, Bernard P. Bastardo and his wife Joan; his sister, Sandra Pazooki and her husband Sonny; nieces, nephews and a host of friends. A sister, Donna Ruggieri passed away in July of 2009. Bill worked in the retail clothing sales all his life; He worked many years for Shacks Clothing and then moved to operate and manage Mr. Tux stores in Auburn & Marlboro before retiring in 2004. Bill was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church. He was an ASA softball umpire and referee for the Worcester Parks Football leagues. An enthusiastic golfer, Bill could be seen golfing on many area golf courses and traveling annually with relatives and friends to Florida and South Carolina to play golf. Above all else, he wanted the world to know how much he adored and loved his grandchildren more than anything in the world. Bill would often say his greatest achievement was raising two cherished sons, who will now carry on his legacy of devotion to love of family and God. He cherished the times he could spend with and around his family and friends. Bill's sense of humor was infectious and he could light up a room anytime he entered. He will be missed greatly. The funeral will be held Thursday, September 23rd from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME, 370 Plantation St. with a mass at 10:30 am in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Burial will follow in St John Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Wednesday, September 22nd from 5 pm to 8 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Place Boston or the American Stroke Association, 30 Speen St Framingham, 01701. The Bastardo would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Beaumont Rehabilitation for his excellent care, most especially the nurses on his floor; Maria, Val & Patty. The Bastardo's would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his loyal and devoted friends who visited him on almost a daily basis, especially Frank Spaziante and Charlie Martinelli.