Donald H. Groccia

Donald H. Groccia, 82, of Worcester passed away on February 20, 2021 in St. Vincent Hospital from COVID-19 complication.

Donald was born in Worcester on February 19, 1939.  Son of the late Salvatore and Leona (Bourdo) Groccia.  He graduated from Boys Trade School and lived in many places while in the service.

Donald is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Zalinsky) Groccia; three sons, Donald Groccia II and his wife Leslyn of Colorado, Marc Groccia and his wife Cristiana of Minnesota and James Quinn III and his wife Tina of Worcester; three daughters, Loretta Anderson and her husband Scott of Colorado, Della Lee Hanshaw of Colorado and Kimberly Amidon and her husband William of Barre, MA; a brother, Richard Groccia of Florida; a sister-in-law Janice Groccia of MA; five grandchildren, Bree, Brittany, Crystal, William and James, and six great-grandchildren.  He is predeceased by his first wife, Rita (O’Toole) Groccia; a daughter, Sheri Groccia; three brothers, Robert W, Raymond C, and Paul V. Groccia and two sisters, Christine Gallant and Margaret Valentino.

Donald was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and would do anything for anyone; he was a kind and generous man. He was happy and loved to sing, he was always singing very softly to himself and you knew where he was.

Donald loved his country and served happily for 23 years.  Two years in Navy Reserves, four years three months in the United States Navy where he was held over in Puerto Rico for the Cuban crisis.  He also served four years in the United States Army and thirteen years in the United States Air Force. 

In Don’s younger years he enjoyed hunting, but his lifelong passion was fishing; always trying for that big one!  He was a member of Christ The King Church and the American Legion Post #201.

A Memorial Service honoring Donald’s life will be held at a future date. Funeral services have been entrusted to MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, Worcester.