Anthony J. "Tony" Murgo

Anthony J. “Tony” Murgo, Sr. of Worcester sadly passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 with loved ones gathered by his side. He led a full life and recently celebrated his 90th birthday on Flag Day surrounded by family and friends. Tony made a profound impact on the lives of so many. With hard working hands and a giving heart, Tony always did his best to be a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Everyone knew that he was a dedicated family man and a friend to all. His personality, advice, and counsel will be greatly missed.

The only son of nine children, Tony was born on Gage Street to Italian immigrant parents, Domenico and Maria (Pellegrini) Murgo. While he was young, the family moved from St. Anne’s Hill to DeMarco Terrace, a tightknit community across from East Park on Shrewsbury Street. Tony delved into his love for cooking at an early age, and as a teenager he worked for the Boulevard Diner followed by the Parkway Diner. He was proud of his workshop and his wide array of tools that served any purpose. A man of many talents, Tony also made baskets for Moreschi’s Florist where many of his friends would gather. He was famous for showing movies to neighborhood children at the Manzi’s Funeral Home garage, the East Side American Legion Post 201 yard, East Park, and the VFW Hall in Shrewsbury. Tony planned Halloween parties for the community, as well. Because of this commitment to serving others, he received the Good Neighbor Award from WTAG radio station.

Aside from having a strong devotion to volunteerism, he also valued the importance of family. The story of Florence “Flo” and Tony all began when she accompanied her brother Joe to the Murgo’s house. Among the girls was one handsome boy named Anthony. On September 4, 1950, they became husband and wife at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and embarked upon a sixty-eight year marriage full of dedication, devotion, and family. Flo and Tony raised their four children on Hamilton Street and always opened their door to one and all. With a home that was warm and welcoming, family and friends would stop by daily to share a meal or a piece of pastry. His wife and children never left his side.

Hearing the call of duty, Tony joined the U.S. Army in 1951 to serve in the Korean War (Korean Conflict) where he was a cook, baker, and projectionist for the 428th Bakery Company. Upon discharge, Tony was a member and pillar of the Eastside American Legion Post 201. In 1998, he was Legionnaire of the Year in keeping with the highest traditions of the post. Tony also assumed the role of head chef and member nourisher. Nobody at the post was hungry at any time.

Tony worked hard to provide for his family first as the owner and operator of Modern Floor Servicing for 20 years. In 1969, he started working at the John Augustus Hall, a boy’s detention center, until it closed. Tony would often open his home to underprivileged boys during the holidays. He continued his journey at Venerini Academy where he gave back to the Catholic school and sisterhood. Tony’s rosary beads were a gift from Sr. Domenica, MPV of Venerini Academy. Then fulfilling his lifelong dream, he opened Tony’s Blue Belle Diner on Prescott Street in 1972. This became a place that fed many young students from North High School and Worcester Boys Trade School as well as the hard working men and women from the factories of the Grove Street area.

Tony soon received an opportunity to become an employee of the State of Massachusetts with the Turnpike Authority at the Westboro interchange. In 1993, he was the proud recipient of the Pride in Performance Award as recognition of his many contributions to the goals of the Turnpike. Most notably, people would beg to work at his interchange because of the delicious meals that Tony would prepare on shift. He served as Senior Toll Collector until his retirement in 1997.

Faith was another important part of Tony’s life. He was a dedicated member and volunteer at Our Lady of Loreto Church. In fact, you would always see him at the annual festivals helping out in whichever way he could. Tony would also volunteer for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church festivals as well as Our Lady of Mercy Church.

Both Tony and Flo were members of the Sons of Italy Worcester Lodge #168 where they were one of the few couples honored for their outstanding achievement and involvement in the Pope John Knights of Columbus #23 and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association. He volunteered at these organizations as well as the Ecotarium, the Salvation Army, the Westboro Boosters, and the March of Dimes. Tony was also an amateur photographer, projectionist, and chef while staying involved with numerous political campaigns.

Tony is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Florence J. “Flo” (Valarioti) Murgo, who lived by the words “For better or worse, in sickness and health, until death do us part”; his four children, Anthony J. Murgo, Jr. of Worcester, Dominic A. Murgo, Sr. and his wife Paula of Shrewsbury, Maria (Murgo) Munoz and her husband George of Worcester, and Michael J. Murgo and his wife Donna of Worcester; two sisters, Mary DiSilvestro and Antoinette “Ginger” Rinaldi both of Worcester; 6 Grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren; that gave him great pleasure, joy and inspiration; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. Tony was predeceased by his five sisters, Angelina Yannone, Librea Ferdella, Michelina Gentile, Susan Falco, Josephine Masiello and Jenny Valarioti.

Friends and relatives are invited to a period of calling hours on Monday, October 1, 2018, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester. The Sons of Italy will perform a ritual on Monday, October 1st at 6:30 pm in the funeral home. His Funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 2nd from the funeral home with a procession to his church, Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd., Worcester where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Burial with Military Funeral Honors will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tony’s name can be made to: Salmon Hospice, 37 Birch St., Milford, MA 01757, or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Salmon VNA and Hospice for their wonderful care. To share your thoughts and memories of Tony, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.