Anthony Balsamo

Anthony S. Balsamo, 91, of Worcester and Coconut Creek, Florida, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 30th 2008, in the home where he was born surrounded by his devoted family. Anthony is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 62 years, Rose M. (Casillo) Balsamo; his dedicated two daughters, Jane Balsamo of Worcester and Josephine Balsamo in Florida; a cherished granddaughter, Jacqueline Dube; many nieces and nephews. His son, Anthony J. Balsamo, Jr. passed away in 1974. A brother, Raphael "Ralph" Balsamo, and three sisters, Rose Latino, Anna Bonin, and Yolanda Ryan all pre deceased him. Anthony was born in the same house he passed in on October 5th, 1916, the son of Salvatore and Guiseppina (Petrellese) Balsamo. He graduated from Worcester Public Schools served in the U.S. Army during World War II, becoming 100% disabled and has lived here all his life. Anthony owned and operated the two generation Balsamo's Market on Shrewsbury St before retiring in 1968. He was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 4, and the former ITAM club. He was a major golf enthusiast and member of Wachusett Country Club, and Indian Meadows Country Club. In 1961, Anthony earned a hole in one at Wachusett Country Club. Anthony's funeral will be held Thursday, April 3rd from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a mass at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 2nd in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Umass-Memorial Hospice, 650 Lincoln St. Worcester 01605 or the Massachusetts Veterans Shelter, 60 Grove Street Worcester. The family would like to express their sincere heartfelt thanks to Umass Memorial Hospice, Dr. Gallagher, Suzanne and Victoria for all the care and compassion given to their father