Felice D. Del'Olio

Felice “Phyllis” (Lapolito) Del’Olio, 103, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Christopher House of Worcester.  She was predeceased by her husband, Samuel L. Del’Olio in 2002, to whom she was married for 53 years.  

      Felice is survived by her loving children, Louis P. Del’Olio and his wife Karen of Worcester, Christine A. Del’Olio of Worcester, Andrea D. Slish and her husband Paul of Buffalo, NY, and Elizabeth J. Ackerman and her husband David of Morris Plains, NJ; a sister, Mary Tomaiolo and her husband Peter of Worcester; seven grandchildren, Dr. Katherine (Ackerman) and her husband Jeffrey Padilla, Dr. Christina Ackerman-Banks and her husband Dr. Garrett Banks, Attorney Caroline Felice Ackerman and her fiancé Dr. Paul Sackstein, Nathanael Slish, Stephen Slish, Samuel Del’Olio, and Dominic Del’Olio; four great-grandchildren, David, Gianna, Angela, and Clara Padilla; and many nieces and nephews.  She was pre-deceased by a sister and three brothers, Rose Morin, Maurice, Joseph, and Frank Lapolito.  Felice was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Andrea and Lucrezia (LaVolpiccello) Lapolito and lived in the Shrewsbury St. neighborhood, Worcester’s Little Italy, all her life.

     Felice worked in the File Department of Thom McAn Shoe Company for 16 years retiring in 1983.  She had a steadfast faith and was a life-long member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, and the Golden Years Group of which she was a founding member. “The Striders” Walking Club and the Visitation Ministry were among the many activities in which she participated.     

     Felice was featured in the Worcester Telegram on December 25, 2018, in an article entitled “For Felice, 100 years strong on Shrewsbury Street”.  The rich Italian heritage of Shrewsbury Street’s neighborhoods afforded her a happy and fulfilling life for 103 years.  As a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, she and her husband, Samuel, raised a strong family through commitment, sacrifice and hard work.  She especially enjoyed gathering for family dinners featuring her perfected Italian dishes and cookies for which she earned the title “best Italian cook” by her family.

     Felice was a woman of many talents.  She was handy with a sewing needle creating fashionable outfits as well as “fixing anything” including her grandchild’s favorite teddy bear.  Her home was filled with beautiful houseplants and she was known for her green thumb, which was second to none.  She had a winning streak and became the one to beat at her favorite game BINGO.

     Felice was a beautiful person and enjoyed meeting people and telling stories.  She loved music and could often be heard singing songs, which created a pleasant atmosphere.  Her zest for life was remarkable and truly unforgettable.  She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

     The Del’Olio family would like to extend a special thank you for the wonderful care and compassion provided by her many, many caregivers over the years.  

     Calling Hours will be on Wednesday, March 30, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, followed by a procession, departing at 10:40 a.m. to an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass at Saint Anne’s Church, 120 Boston Turnpike Road (route 9 east) Shrewsbury.  Interment beside her husband will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

     Donations in Felice’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or to the American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA  50037-0839.