Antonetta "Tessi" (DeMaio) Giamei

Antonetta “Tessi” (DeMaio) Giamei, 93, a longtime resident of Worcester, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away surrounded by ones she loved Thursday, May 9, 2024.   Antonetta is reunited in heaven with her husband of 33 years, Mario G. Giamei, Sr, who passed away November 9 1990.

She was born in New Haven, CT, one of six children of Catello and Vincenza (Damato) DeMaio.  Raised in West Haven, Antonetta married Mario G. Giamei on  August 24, 1957, in New Haven and they then began to raise their family with faith, love, devotion, and  dedication, before moving to Worcester in November of 1973. She has lived in Worcester until 1999 when she moved to Sutton MA.  

Antonetta is survived by her four dedicated children, Tina Marie (Giamei) Sunden and her husband Eric of Auburn, Mario G. Giamei Jr. and his wife Christine, Graziano “Nino” Giamei and Rosaria Giamei all of Sutton; six grandchildren she adored, Anthony, Mario, Adina and her husband Kevin, Nicholas and his wife Lauren, Arianna and Giuliana; a great grandson Nicholas Jr.; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.   In addition to her parents and husband Mario, two brothers, James and Frank DeMaio, and three sisters, Helen Ferro, Anna Vecchio, and Rose Joyce, all predeceased her.  

Antonetta was strong with her catholic faith, which she instilled in  her children as a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish.  Nothing in her life was more important than her family.  Her husband Mario, children and grandchildren always came first.  She was the matriarch and backbone of the family, remaining devoted to them throughout her life.  Antonetta was a beautiful person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family and friends, family dinners, cooking, antiques, smores, trips to the casino with her daughter Rose, and online games on her computer.  At one time in her youth, she was a professional singer and had an opportunity to perform in New York City.  She turned it down to become a wife, and mother.  Her passion was her children and she was always the happiest with her family surrounding her.  She genuinely believed that faith, family and friends were the most important parts of life, and had room in her heart for everyone she met. Her unwavering faith kept her grounded and helped her through life's challenges. Antonetta’s passing leaves a hole in our hearts but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten. 

Her children are especially appreciative of her granddaughter Adina, who helped care for her in her last years at home, and her granddaughter Giuliana who attended to her in her last days.  The family would also like to recognize Christopher House and the staff at the Brookside Unit for their unwavering dedication and care including Elizabeth, Bessie and especially Elsie Asiamah who has become an extended family member.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Monday, May 13th from 5 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Her funeral will be held Tuesday, May 14th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd where her celebration of Christian burial Mass will be held at 11 am.  She will then be reunited in burial with Mario in Notre Dame cemetery.  At the request of the family, please consider making a donation to Christopher House or the Alzheimer's  Association in her name.