Gary J Vecchio

Gary Vecchio, 68, of Worcester, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer. He was welcomed to his eternal heavenly home while surrounded by his loving family on Monday, July 18, 2022.  Gary joins in heaven, his parents Ann T. (DiSilvestri) and John “Johnnie Radiator” Vecchio and his nephew Joseph M. Vecchio.  He was a life-long educator, community leader, and political activist, but most of all Gary was a selfless, caring and giving man.  He lived by the philosophy that we all need to leave this earth a little better than when we arrived and without question, he succeeded.

Gary was born in Worcester in 1953 and lived in the city he loved his entire life.  He is survived by his two brothers, Joseph Vecchio and his wife Elizabeth of Worcester, Ron Vecchio and his life partner, Laura Andrews of Holden, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He was a lifelong, active member of the Christ Baptist Church on Granby Road, where he served as a moderator and trustee.  The Vecchio family is proud that they were among founding members of the church in 1949. 

Growing up in Worcester, Gary attended Adams Street and North High School.  He continued his post-secondary education at Worcester State University where he earned both a bachelor’s degree of science and master’s degree in education.  He was the first person on both his father and mother’s side of the family to graduate from college.  After graduation, he accepted his first teaching position in 1975 at the Wrentham Public Schools where he taught grammar school for the next thirty-six years.  He was known as the “Cal Ripken” of the teaching profession, having never missed a day of school until his retirement.  

Gary loved being an educator; Throughout his dedicated tenure in Wrentham, he brought teaching to life for his students.  Notably earning teacher of the year award.  His teaching style was both powerful and gentle.  Gary had a command of the classroom and control of every student’s attention ensuring the lessons were both interesting and profoundly impactful for each of them.  While a teacher, Gary was an active union member serving as Membership Committee Chair, Vice President, and President of the Wrentham Teachers Association.

Throughout his life, Gary dedicated much of his personal time to serving his East Side community, the City of Worcester, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in countless elected and appointed positions.  From an early age, he was politically active on local, state, and national issues ranging from presidential campaigns to fighting for the lowest residential tax rate and advocating for city resources for the betterment of his neighborhood.  Gary took an active role in several political campaigns including those of Gerry D’Amico, Jordan Levy, Dick Bonofiglio, Mary Scano, Andrew Collaro and Harriette Chandler.  He served as Campaign Manager, mentor, and lifelong friend to former State Representative Vincent A. Pedone. 

Gary was also appointed to numerous boards and commissions including the Worcester Parks Commission, Citizen Advisory Council, Mayor’s Task Force on Social Service Agencies, Mayor’s Task Force on Tax Policy, CSX Advisory Committee, and Eastside Community Development Corporation.  He was also appointed in 1981 and 1993 by the Worcester School Committee to screen and recommend candidates for Superintendent of the Worcester School system.  During the 1987 City of Worcester Charter Commission to change Worcester’s form of government, Gary was an active participant, successfully advocating for district council representation on the City Council.  He was an elected member of the Ward 4 Democratic City Committee for over forty years and served as its chair from 1990 to 2014. 

In 1987, he was appointed to the Worcester State Hospital Board of Trustees where he served as member and chair until 1996.  He was instrumental in fighting against the closure of Worcester State Hospital and equally instrumental in fighting to build the new Worcester Recovery Center replacing the 175-year-old “State Hospital.”  Because of his continued commitment to people with severe mental health illness, Gary was appointed to the UMass/Worcester State Hospital Advisory Committee. 

Gary was also a well-known radio and TV personality in Worcester for many years.  Along with his long-time friend and coconspirator, Gary Rosen, the Gary and Gary shows took shape.  The pair launched the Rosen and Vecchio Experience (RAVE) and then Vecchio joined Rosen on Rosen’s Round Table, never missing a show for the next twelve years.  Gary was never at loss for words, brought color and pointed commentary to the shows.  

He may be best known as the hard-nosed, outspoken, and tireless leader of the Shrewsbury Street Neighborhood Association, he co-founded in 2001, serving and continuously as its President until his passing on Monday.  He truly cared and dedicated his life to his community.  Through his tenacious leadership as President, the Eastside community had an unparalleled and irreplaceable advocate.  His passion and commitment to the Shrewsbury Street area gave residents a strong voice for their neighborhood.  Gary could be seen daily walking a seven-mile route around the neighborhood every day, informing city officials of unsavory activities and problems he would see, earning him the title “Mayor of Shrewsbury Street.”  With his daily walks and through his work with the neighborhood association, Gary forever enriched the lives of all those living, working and raising families in his neighborhood.

Proverbs 11:24 says, “One who gives freely, grows all the richer; and whoever brings blessings will be enriched.”  Gary’s wealth came not from money but rather from his incredible commitment of his time and energy for the betterment of our community.  We are all enriched for what Gary gave to us and for this, Gary Vecchio was, indeed, the richest man in town.  He will be missed but his impact on our community will most certainly live on.

A period of calling hours will be held Thursday, July 21^st from 9 am to 11 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  His funeral service will follow at 11:00 am.  Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name may be made to the Christ Baptist Church, 34 Granby Road, Worcester.  

Out of an abundance of caution, and the safety of others, we request Covid Restrictions, masks and social distancing are kindly requested.