Anthony V. Francese

Anthony V. Francese, 80 of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 24, 2024 at UMass Medical Center with his daughters by his side

Anthony was born in Worcester, the son of the late Anthony and Helen (DiGregorio) Francese. He grew up in Shrewsbury, was a graduate of Shrewsbury High School, Class of 1962 where he excelled in football, crew and track and was inducted into the Shrewsbury High School Hall of Fame in 2010. Anthony later attended Worcester Junior College and worked for Harr Ford for 4 years. In 1975, Anthony bought AVS, Automative Vending Services and was the owner for 26 years before he retired in 2001.

Anthony was an avid motorcycle rider and was a longtime member of Indian Motorcycle Riders Club where he made lifelong friends. After retirement and for many years, Anthony took annual trips on his motorcycle across the country to California, visiting many friends along the way. You could always find him with his friends every morning holding Court at Executive Dining. His greatest joy was his grandchildren. Anthony was their biggest fan and cheered for them on the sidelines at all their sporting events.

Anthony is survived by his two daughters, Melissa Piergustavo and her husband Richard of Milford, MA., and Robyn Caruso and her husband Donald of Holden; two sisters, Eleanor M. Francese of Shrewsbury and Maria R. Maggiore both of Shrewsbury; four grandchildren, Alexandra, Emily, Nicholas and David; his former wife of 25 years, Carol A. (Manoog) Cassery; nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 4-7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 29th at 9:00 am in the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions can be made to: American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692