Agnes (Damico) Zingarelli

Agnes R. (Damico) Zingarelli, 103, a lifelong Worcester resident passed away surrounded by her family, Monday, May 9^th 2022.   

Agnes Rita (Damico) Zingarelli, the first of nine children, was born at the house of her Italian immigrant parents Angelina (Guerra) and Frank Damico in Worcester, MA.  Ironically, she was born on January 27, 1919 by a midwife who was unable to record her birth at Worcester City Hall due to a snowstorm.  A few days later, her birth was recorded on January 31^st, which decades later was noted as her official birthday. So Agnes has two birthdays!  When Agnes first began school at age 5 she did not speak English.  She helped greatly with her siblings, as well as nurturing the fruits and vegetables on her parents’ small property.  Agnes attended Worcester Girls Trade School where she learned to sew.  She left school at 16 to help support her family and was a stitcher at various manufacturing companies in Worcester through World War II and into the 1980s.  After the war, Agnes married Frank Anthony Zingarelli, who predeceased her in January 2013, also of Worcester, MA.  Agnes and Frank worked hard to build their own home just down the hill from her childhood home.  It was there they lived out most of their lives, raising their two daughters, spending time with grandchildren, and always with an open door to family and friends.  After retirement as a seamstress, Agnes spent many of her days caring and being with her grandchildren. 

Agnes is survived by the youngest of her eight siblings, Dolores Senecal (Florida), two daughters and their husbands, Elizabeth A. Knott (Jesse M. Knott II) and Angela M. Halloran (Richard J. Halloran), both of Worcester, five grandchildren who adore her, Barbara E. Knott (Scott H. Mays), Jesse M. Knott III (Katie Cornacchioli Knott), Andrew Halloran, Anna Halloran (Johnny Speckman) and Kristen J. Halloran (Kevin Johnston), and four great grandchildren Ava Elizabeth Agnes Mays, William Thomas Mays, Annabelle Marie Knott and Phoebe Rose Knott.  She is also survived by many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  She was a wonderful matriarch in every positive sense, holding traditions of Sunday dinner and being a steady, solid foundation to her family. 

She was a lifetime parishioner of St. Christopher’s Church in Worcester and an active member of their retired club.  Her faith was shared with many and influenced her own family’s participation in the parish.  Agnes will be missed immensely by her family and friends.

A period of calling hours will be held Saturday, May 14^th 2022, from 9 am to 10:15 am in St Christopher Church, 950 West Boylston St, followed by her funeral Mass at 10:30 am.  Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery.  The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements. To leave a message or for more information please visit www.mercadantefuneral.com