John Laraia

John F. "Snooky" Laraia, 64, of Shrewsbury, passed away Monday, January 21, 2008. He leaves his three children, Kimberly Laraia McCallum of Worcester and her boyfriend of fourteen years, Ernest Belanger, John N. Laraia of Worcester and his girlfriend of twenty years, Tracy Arnold, and Michelle Laraia of Boston; a brother, James Laraia of Paxton; a sister Joan Laraia Christiansen and her husband William of Worcester; three grandchildren, Amanda Laraia, Keri McCallum, and Jason Laraia; many nieces and nephews. A brother, Joseph Laraia, pre-deceased him. John was born in Worcester the son of James and Mary (Cronin) Laraia and has lived in Worcester and Shrewsbury for many years. He graduated from Commerce High School and from Worcester Junior College, where he studied economics and business. John worked as a cook at Westborough State Hospital for many years, before he retired in 1998. He had previously been a baking manager at Table Talk Pie in Worcester. John was a member of Saint Anne's Church, the former I.T.A.M. club, and the Marine Corps League. The funeral for John will be held Friday, January 25, from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Saint Anne's Church, 120 Boston Turnpike (route 9), Shrewsbury, MA. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 24, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the funeral home.