Geraldine "Gerry" (Starkus) Zecco

Geraldine “Gerry” A. (Starkus) Zecco, 86, of Holden, passed away in the comfort of her home on Saturday, December 21th, 2024, just over a month, since the “love of her life” and husband of sixty-two years, Francis A. Zecco, Sr. passed on November 18th. 

She is survived by, a son, Francis A. Zecco, Jr. and his wife Linda of Auburn; a dear friend who was more like a daughter, Lucy Panagoulopoulos and her husband Basil and their children, who were like grandchildren, Adriana, Gabriella, and Georgina; a brother, James Starkus of Las Vegas; two sisters, Joyce L’Heureux of Valencia, Ca, and Charlotte DelFem of Worcester; nieces and nephews including, Karen Nahrwold who watched over her. In addition to her parents and husband, Francis, a son, Kevin J. Zecco passed in 1996 and brother Edward Starkus in April.  Geraldine was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late, Joseph and Hilda (Savinsky) Starkus. She graduated from Worcester Girls Trade and the Fanning School of Health. 

 Gerry worked many years in the medical field, most recently as a medical assistant for the Umass Medical Center over 16 years before retiring in 1998. She was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, and enjoyed camping, quilting, hiking, and biking with Francis. They together, enjoyed many wonderful trips throughout the years, travelling the country in their motor home and exploring the different corners of the United States, as well as biking together. 

 There are no Calling Hours. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 28th at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester Street, West Boylston. (please go directly to church) Interment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery in Worcester. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kevin J. Zecco Scholarship Fund at the U.R.I. College of Pharmacy, in care of University of Rhode Island Foundation & Alumni Engagement, 79 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to serve the family at time of need.