Clara Papagno

Clara (Ritacco) Papagno, 88, of Worcester, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2009 in the comfort of her home. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Paul Papagno. Clara was born at home in Worcester, daughter of Demetrio and Rose (Zarette) Ritacco, and has lived in the same home all her life. She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann Church, the Golden Years Club and Catholic Daughters. She was also a member of the West Boylston VFW Post 6907 Ladies Auxiliary, the American Legion Eastside Post 201 Auxiliary. Having been born and brought up along Shrewsbury Street, Clara's smile, style and wave hello, became synonymous with the neighborhood. She worked for many years as a waitress at Scano's Bakery; where she would see many familiar faces, share a cookie and a chat keeping up with current events. She had also worked as a waitress at the former Shrewsbury Motor Inn and Mickey Green's. During World War II, Clara went to work for Washburn Wire Company here in Worcester. Clara is survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers, John A. Ritacco, Salvatore J. Ritacco, and Nunzio Ritacco, as well as two sisters, Marie Vigliatura and Josephine Ryan. The family would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to the staff and volunteers at Saint Francis Home Adult Day Care Program. Their kindness, compassion, and caring made Clara always feel welcome and made the family comfortable knowing she was happy. A funeral Mass for Clara will be celebrated Wednesday, September 16, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann Church, 24 Mulberry Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann Building Fund, 24 Mulberry Street, Worcester, MA 01605. MERCADANTE FUNERALHOME & CHAPEL, Worcester