Stephen Natale

Stephen Natale, 79, of Worcester, formerly of 52 Shelby Street, passed away in his home on Monday, December 28, 2009, after a long illness. Stephen is survived by his loving family, a son, Ralph M. Natale and his wife Lynn of Spencer; two daughters, Tina M. Mandeville and her husband Paul of Charlton and Judith S. Natale and her partner Sean Rafferty of Worcester; two sisters, Anna Cutillo and her husband Augusto of Worcester and Andrea Basile and her husband Carman of Dedham; seven grandchildren, Elise, Matthew, and Zachary Natale, Kevin, Eric, Garrett, and Brynne Mandeville; three step grandchildren, Amy Murphy, Scott and Ryan Baver; two step great grandchildren, Abigail and Kailey Murphy; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his former wife and life-long friend, RoseMarie (Brule) Natale. Stephen was born in Garzano, Caserta, Italy, son of Raphael and Josephine (Tammaro) Natale, and emigrated to the United States with his family when he was seventeen years old. He immediately worked on getting his education by attending and graduating from Worcester Boy's Trade High School. He taught himself to play the guitar and joined a local band where he was both guitarist and singer. He served this nation proudly in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was stationed in Germany. Mr. Natale, a carpenter and contractor by trade, owned Stephen Natale Builders, for forty years, building many homes in Central Massachusetts and on Cape Cod. He was a member of Our Lady of Angels Church and enjoyed gardening, cooking, watching soccer, and playing chess. His greatest joys were celebrations with family and spending time at his beloved Cape Cod. The Natale family would like to thank VNA Care Hospice, Care With A Heart, Elder Services of Worcester, and Americare at Home, for the wonderful care and support they offered. An extra special thank you is extended to his personal healthcare workers, Judy, Stellah and Autumn, for their tender love, support, and caring. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, December 30, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His funeral will be held on Thursday, December 31, from the funeral home with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to VNA Care Network, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester.