Carol (Guptill) Bafaro

Carol A. (Guptill) Bafaro, 77, a longtime resident of Worcester, devoted mother and grandmother passed away June 21^st, 2021 surrounded by loved ones after a brief battle with cancer.

Carol was born in Worcester, one of three daughters of Dr. Clifford R. and Thelma L. (Davis) Guptill. Raised and educated in Worcester, she graduated from The Bancroft School, studied at Cazenovia Junior College, and received her Bachelor’s degree in education from Boston University.  In 1967, Carol married Carl A. “Tony” Bafaro and began a 39-year marriage full of love and devotion until Tony passed away on March 4^th, 2006.  Together they raised three children, living in Columbia, MD, Southborough, MA, Ridgewood, NJ, and Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA before settling back in Worcester to be close to family.

Carol is survived by her children Laura Marchand and her husband, Gregory, of Shrewsbury; Frank Bafaro II and his wife, Catherine, of Essex; Amanda Speed and her husband, Benjamin, of Whitefish Bay, WI. She was also blessed with five grandchildren that she loved with all of her heart; Jackson, Lucia, and Brooke Speed, and Anthony and Carl (Luca) Bafaro.  Carol also leaves behind her two sisters, Deborah Guptill of Marblehead and Gail Carlson and her husband Roger of Worcester; her brother and sisters in law, Joseph J. Bafaro and his wife June, and Sara Howard; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.  Carol was predeceased by family members and friends she cared about deeply. 

Carol had a rewarding career as a primary school teacher before choosing to stay home with her children.  As they grew, she was a constant presence in their lives and communities, fulfilling whatever role needed - comedian, counselor, chef, chauffer, teacher, troop leader, cheerleader.  Later in life she found satisfaction working with special needs children in Worcester public schools, eventually retiring from Sullivan Middle School.  

Carol was a gentle warrior.  Her inner strength and positivity got her through tough times in life, including her husband’s illnesses and death, a life-saving organ transplant, and successful battles with cancer.

In Carol’s life, her family came first.  She was happiest surrounded by her kids and grandchildren.  She never missed opportunities to reach out and celebrate special occasions or holidays.  She had a great sense of humor and room in her heart for everyone she met.  Carol was kind, thoughtful, social, funny, and always generous with her love, time, and attention.        

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours, Sunday, June 27^th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will be held Monday, June 28^th, from the funeral home with a procession to St. John’s Church, 44 Temple Street where her funeral service will be celebrated at 10:00 am.   Burial next to her husband, Tony, will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name can be made to Donate Life America or St Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause Carol and Tony faithfully supported.