Alfred J D'Elia

Alfred J, D'Elia, 81, of Worcester a retired Worcester Police Officer died peacefully Thursday August 12, 2010 in the Rose Monahan Residence surrounded by his loving family. Al leaves his wife and best friend of fifty four years Cecile "Sis" (Auger) D'Elia, his loving children; a son Peter J. D'Elia Sr. and his wife Linda of Worcester,two daughters Ann Marie Corcoran and her husband Jeffrey of Shrewsbury, Theresa L. Bailey and her husband Ronald of Millbury, his pride and joy grandchildren; Peter J. Jr. and Kerri D'Elia, Gregory and Darius Corcoran, and Christina Bailey. Al also leaves his devoted sisters, Grace Ventresca, Angelina Pepin, Lucy Hamilton, and Mary Silvestry, loving sisters in law "Doe" Chagnon and Alice Mandella, nephews, nieces and close friends. Al was predeceased by a brother Joseph D'Elia, and a sister Rose Sachetto. Alfred was born in Worcester son of the late Peter and Anna (Grilla) D'Elia and lived here all his life, he was educated in the Worcester public school system and was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Korean War. Al was a Worcester Police Officer for eighteen years before he retired. Previous to that he worked at the Millville Shoe Company. In 1980 Al was honored by Blue Cross Blue Shield at the Pier 4 Restaurant in Boston for saving the life of a female clerk at the Worcester Police Headquarters. among the dignitaries attending to present the award were then Governor Edward King. Dr, Henry Heimlich inventor of the Heimlich maneuver presented the award, Al also recieved a Citation from the House of Representatives. During his tenure as a Police Officer, Al received several Meritorious commendations from the Worcester Police Department for his excellent police work. Al was proud of his Italian heritage and enjoyed its traditions, especially at Christmas Eve when he would prepare various fish specialties for the family celebration. His homemade pizza was always a favorite at family get togethers. Al was a gentle, sincere, unassuming man who was dearly loved by his family and deeply respected by all who knew him. He will truly be missed. The family is deeply grateful to Dr. David Shepro and his entire staff for the compassion, kindness, and support given to Al and his family. Al was a long time member of Our Lady of Loreto Church, The Pope John Council XX111 Knights of Columbus, The Auburn-Webster Elks, The Massachusetts Police Association, The Southern Mass.Police Association and the Southern Mass. Retired Police and Firefighters Association, East Side Post American Legion #201, The Local # 911 New England Police Benevolent Association, and the East Side Improvement Club. Al's funeral will be held Tuesday August 17, 2010 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 AM in Our Lady of Loreto Church 33 Massasoit Rd. Calling hours will be Tuesday morning from 8:30AM to 10 :00AM in the funeral home prior to leaving for church. Entombment will be in Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Our Lady of Loreto Church 33 Massasoit Rd. Worcester, MA. 01604, or to PKD Foundation 8330 Ward Parkway suite 510, Kansas, City MO. 64114-2000. Members of the East Side Post #201 will meet at 9AM for their ritual.(mercadantefuneral.com) to sign condolence book on line.