Dorothy R. Palermo

Dorothy R. “Dottie” (Pellegrino) Palermo, 85, of Worcester died peacefully on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 in the Jewish Healthcare Center surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy leaves her devoted husband and best friend of 64 years, Anthony J. “Dorsey” Palermo, and her two daughters, Donna M. Palermo and Sandra A. D’Elia, both of Worcester. She also leaves her brothers Robert Pellegrino of Worcester and Peter “Junie” Pellegrino and his wife Diane of Shrewsbury. Dorothy was the proud grandmother to: Deena M. Particianone and her fiancé Jorge Santiago and their children Anthony and Ava Santiago; Peter J. D’Elia Jr. and his wife Josie (Gullifa) and their daughter Olivia D’Elia; and Kerri A. (D’Elia) Lundberg and her husband Brian E. Lundberg, also a sister in law Frances Pellegrino, and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was predeceased by three sisters—Rita Pellegrino, Sarah (Pellegrino) Venuti and Eleanor (Pellegrino) Santoro. She was also predeceased by six brothers—Joseph, Frank, Angelo, Albert, Anthony and Raymond. Dorothy was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Italian immigrants Peter and Angelina (Vitteritto) Pellegrino, and she lived here all her life. Dorothy was educated in Worcester Public Schools and worked at the Hebert Candy Mansion for 25 years before retiring. Prior to that, she worked at Kenwood Nursing Home as a CNA.

Dorothy was a longtime member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and the Golden Years Club. She was a very religious women who prayed the rosary every day, sometimes twice a day. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Among her interests, Dorothy loved to sing and her favorite singer was Dean Martin. She also enjoyed cooking and baking. Dorothy and her husband loved to travel and in her younger days they loved to vacation at Lake George with their children. Dorothy embarked on many trips with her husband—an Alaskan cruise being her favorite. Dorothy enjoyed playing Texas Hold 'em with family and friends, along with trips to the casino.

Dorothy was a hard worker throughout her whole life. She was family-oriented, sincere, kindhearted, and sassy. Dorothy was proud of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; they were very dedicated and devoted to her. They were her pride and joy.

Anthony and the family would like to thank Dorothy’s granddaughter Kerri for her impeccable, loving and devoted care for her grandmother. She was an integral part of Dorothy’s Healthcare Team. The family also wishes to thank the Jewish Healthcare Center staff whose compassionate care and love for Dorothy will always be remembered. And a thank you to the JHC Hospice staff, for their care and support.

Dorothy’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Calling hours will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel (370 Plantation Street). A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. John (40 Temple Street). Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105). To leave a message of condolence or share a special memory of Dorothy, please visit her memorial site at: mercadantefuneral.com.