Patsy J Mastrogiovanni

Patsy J. "Pat" Mastrogiovanni, 92, of Shrewsbury, passed away December 18th 2008, at the Radius Health Care, Worcester after an illness. Pat leaves his devoted wife of 56 years, Stella M. (Turpin) Mastrogiovanni; his cherished daughter Patci Jean "Jeannie" Hebert, of Shrewsbury; two sons Howard A. Vosburg, Sr. and his wife Carole of Clinton, William V. Vosburg, Sr.,and his wife Sandra of Williamsburg, VA. Nine grandchildren, Tracie Hebert Boyd and her husband Geoffrey Boyd of Sturbridge, Howard A. Vosburg, Jr. of Clinton, Brian Vosburg of Douglas, Wendy Elder of Atlanta, GA, Pamela Redlon, William Vosburg, Jr., Michelle Leach, Laura Andrews and Vickie Stiger all of New Hampshire. Fourteen great-grandchildren, Eve and Jackson Boyd of Sturbridge, Howard III, Joseph, Amanda and Nicholas Vosburg of Clinton, Hayden and Emily Redlon, Nicholas, Chelsie and Morgan Leach, Rebecca, Mackenzie and Hunter Ledoux of New Hampshire. Pat was predeceased by 6 brothers, Anthony, Michael, Albert, Joseph, Armando and Peter, and 3 sisters Martha Giordano, Filomena and Josephine Mastrogiovanni. Patsy was born in Worcester, the son of the late Angelo and Francesca (Fascia) Mastrogiovanni, he grew up in the Shrewsbury Street district of Worcester before moving to Shrewsbury. A product of the Great Depression, Patsy served in the CCC Camp and was a graduate of the former Commerce High School and Worcester Boys trade Vocational School, specializing in mechanics. Before enlisting in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he was employed at the former Leland-Gifford Company in Worcester. Pat served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, stationed in the South Pacific, Japan and Iwo Jima. After returning from the war, Pat founded Shrewsbury Town Taxi, and was employed by the Canada Dry Bottling Company. He then worked for the Town of Shrewsbury School Department. After retiring in the late 1980's Pat was employed by his former son-in-law and friend, Ronald Hebert at the Hebert Candy Mansion. A very proud Italian, Pat was a family man and devoted what free time he had to his wife and children. He would regale the family with stories, including those from his taxi cab days of the late 1940's and early 50's when he would squire such notables as Tony Bennett and Jerry Colona to the hot spots of Worcester, Boston and NYC. Pat met his beloved, beautiful wife, Stella the former hostess at Mickey Green's Night Club in Shrewsbury during that time. He was very proud of his service to his country during WWII and had been a continuous member of the American Legion, Victor R. Quaranta Post (a long time friend) for over 60 years. He was extremely proud that his sons both served in the military; Howard, Sr., a Marine and Bill an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, and also his great-grandson, Howard III, a Marine veteran of the war in Iraq. Pat is the last of his branch of the Mastrogiovanni family and link to strong Italian customs and traditions. He spent countless hours with his devoted daughter, Jeannie, and his grandchildren sharing cooking skills, language and incredibly amusing stories about family and his Italian heritage. He made several trips to Italy with his daughter and granddaughter, Tracie visiting the family village of Sparanise just outside of Naples. "Pupa" as he became known to everyone in his later years, loved music, dancing, cooking and gardening. He always had a large vegetable garden that he and Stella shared with family and friends. He enjoyed fishing at Jordan Pond his entire life. He was also a member of the Froshinn Club, Lake Men's Lodge, and always looked forward to his time spent with the Shrewsbury Friends at the Senior Center. In the past year he attended Summit Elder Day Care and enjoyed every day he was there. Patsy will be greatly missed by family and many friends. He has left us all with a heritage and legacy to pass on. The family would like to thank the Doctors and staff at Summit Elder Care and Radius Health Facility for their wonderful care and great compassion. The family request flowers be omitted but donations may be made to Patsy's favorite charities, Pet Rock Foundation, 53 Gold Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, for his love of animals and Massachusetts Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605, for his love of country and the service of fellow veterans. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Pat's family on Monday, December 22nd, from 5 PM. to 8 PM in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Funeral Services will be celebrated Tuesday, December 23rd at 11:30 AM in the funeral home. For directions and on-line memorial guest book visit www.mercadantefuneral.com.