Francis M Gentile

Francis M. (Googie) Gentile, 90, of Worcester, MA, and Vero Beach FL. passed away January 3, 2023 at his home in Worcester.  Born in Worcester on October 1, 1932, he was the son of the late Pasquale and Maria (Campaniello) Gentile. He spent 61 years as the loving husband of the late Donna (Auger) Gentile; beloved father of Michael F. Gentile and his wife Dale of Worcester and Donna M. Scola and her husband Stephen of Worcester; cherished grandfather of Tanya Gentile, Anthony Gentile and his wife Carol, Dana Scola and her partner Steven Moulton, Marc Scola and his wife Michelle and five great-grandchildren Tyler, Ryan, Mia, Matthew & Giselle.  He also leaves a sister-in-law, Amanda (Gentile) Anastasi and several nieces and nephews, including his niece Mary O’Malley, who was also his friend and casino companion. Along with his parents, Francis was predeceased by his brothers Nicholas P, Michael J, and Carl J. Gentile and his sisters Rose E. O’Malley and her husband Joseph and Angela M. Palermo and her husband Vincent.

Francis was a graduate of Commerce High and attended Suffolk University. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Francis was very athletic, playing semi pro baseball in his youth for various Worcester leagues, Suffolk University and the Marine Corps team. Being a talented baseball player, he understood the game and wouldn’t hesitate to declare when the Red Sox made a bad play. He always enjoyed discussing the rules of the game with his nephew, American League umpire, Stephen Palermo.  He was a loyal Red Sox and Bruins fan.  After retiring from the US Postal Service where he was a supervisor, he became an avid tennis player.  He played in the Vista Gardens league, and you could find him at Lake Park in Worcester, eager to pick up a game.   

One of Goog’s favorite hobbies and joy was cooking. He only shared his top-secret recipes with his children and grandchildren. His specialties were pizza, gravy, meatballs and the perfect cream puff which he generously shared with everyone that knew him.  He and Donna traveled between Worcester, Hampton Beach and Vero Beach and always enjoyed their stop in Atlantic City.  He loved his family and cherished his time with his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Friends may call on the family on Tuesday, January 10, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St, Worcester. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1290 Grafton St, Worcester, and services will conclude with burial in St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge St, Worcester.

At the family’s request, please omit flowers. Memorial donations are suggested to the Disabled American Veterans at   https://secure.davFR.org/