Alfonso R. Polselli

Alfonso R. Polselli, 82 of Franklin, formerly a longtime resident of Worcester, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2022 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston with his family by his side.

Alfonso was born and raised in Worcester, a son to the late Alfonso and Josephine (Leone) Polselli. He graduated from North High School Class of 1958 where he excelled in football and in 2017 was inducted into the Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduation, he served his country proudly during the Vietnam War for the United States Marines at the American Embassy in Brussels, Belgium from 1959 until his honorable discharge in 1964. Alfonso later graduated with his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska in Omaha in 1968.

Alfonso was the operations manager for the Worcester Center Galleria for many years before retiring in 1994.  He previously worked as the Head of Security for Filene’s for 16 years.  After his retirement, Alfonso was the finance manager at the former Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church under Fr. Michael Bafaro for 10 years. He enjoyed playing cards, cribbage, and chess with good friends every week and spending time with his six grandchildren. Al also loved country music, watching old western movies, and organizing things.

Alfonso is survived by his beloved wife of almost 56 years, Carolyn L. (Mercer) Polselli; three daughters, Gina Moller and her husband Charles of Bayport, NY, Lisa Craner and her husband Dr. James Craner of Reno, NV, and Tara Crandall and her husband Daniel of Franklin, MA; two brothers, Robert Polselli and his wife Barbara of West Boylston and Richard Polselli and his wife Sandra of Sayville, NY; six grandchildren, Caroline Moller, Sophie Crandall, Matthew Moller, Tyler Crandall, Sam Craner and Caitlin Moller; many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Frank Vegnone and Anna and Chet McCarthy.

Services for Alfonso will be held on Monday, March 14, 2022 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd., Worcester.  Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.  A period of calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 13^th from 2-5 pm in the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making donations in his name to: Venerini Sisters Retirement Fund, c/o Sr. Irene Moran, 23 Edward St., Worcester, MA. 01605.