Giulio G. Giassi

Giulio G. Giassi, 83, of Auburn, passed away peacefully in his home on August 3, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.  Giulio was born on March 15, 1938, in Clusone, Italy, and was the son of the late Luigi & Caterina (Faggi) Giassi.

He leaves his wife of 53 years, Lidia (Florencio) Giassi of Auburn; his son, Michael J. Giassi and wife Kelly Tomaszewicz of Worcester; his daughter Lisa J. Bean and husband Michael of Worcester; his brother, Antonio Giassi and wife Piera Vagni of Trino Vercellese, Italy; his sister Giuseppina Giassi of Montreal, Canada; his sister Paola Giassi and late husband Roberto Cremascoli of Cologno Monzese, Italy; his sister Mariassunta Giassi and husband Gianpaolo Postai of Piumazzo, Italy; his three beloved grandchildren, Maxwell, Sophia, and Lily; and many nieces and nephews in Italy and Mexico.

Giulio served in the Italian Army as a young man and emigrated from Italy to the United States in 1963.  In Italy he worked for Tatalia Ad Machines as a calculator repair technician and later worked at Roland’s Office Equipment in Worcester who sponsored his travel to the USA.  He then spent most of his career working for Data Care in Worcester as a typewriter/printer repair technician.  There wasn’t a printer that he couldn’t fix!  He was known for his work ethic and commitment to those he served.  He later joined the Holy Cross Dining Hall part-time before retiring in 2012 to become a full-time Grandpa to three beautiful grandchildren.

Giulio was a dedicated family man that enjoyed life to the fullest.  After arriving to the United States at the age of 24, Giulio began his journey in this country to build a wonderful life.  He met his wife Lidia at night school in Worcester in a class to learn English.  They married in her hometown in Mexico in 1968 with a grand celebration.  In 1972 they had their son, Michael, and in 1976 they had their daughter, Lisa, and worked hard to support their growing family.  In 1980, Giulio bought land in Auburn and had their family home built.  He loved tending to his home and garden and raising his family there.  On any given day you could find Giulio working in the yard fixing, improving, or building something.  He took great pride in his handiwork.  Giulio especially loved birds and would watch them enjoy his many birdfeeders in the yard.  Giulio and Lidia worked tirelessly to send their children to private Catholic schools and to provide the best opportunities for them to succeed.  He spent his days working and nights/weekends tending to his children’s endless activities.  He was their soccer coach during their entire elementary years and passed on his love for the sport.  On any given day you would find Giulio cheering for Italy or Mexico as he watched soccer on TV.  He also enjoyed boxing and hockey and would even listen to the Bruins on the radio while driving his children to their countless activities.

One of his proudest accomplishments was becoming a US Citizen in 2010.  He loved this country and proudly flew the American Flag in his yard.  He later helped his wife Lidia become a Citizen in 2019. 

Giulio and Lidia had planned to retire to Mexico.  Those plans changed the minute their first grandchild Maxwell was born in 2010.  They knew at that moment that they wouldn’t miss a minute of their grandchildren’s lives.  Giulio taught Max how to ride a bike.  He was also the only one that could settle and put Sophia to sleep as an infant.  He was one of the first people to meet Lily hours after her birth in 2020.  He taught them how to play chess.  He lived for his family and never stopped thinking of ways to make them prosper.  He was a faithful and loving husband who took his wife our dancing throughout their entire marriage even into their 80s. He was also the family comedian and an animated storyteller.   He played with his children and grandchildren as a child himself.  He never missed a school event or a school project.  He would tirelessly play in the snow with them and repeatedly carry them back up the hill in the sled.  He taught his family the true definition of dedication.  The title of Grandpa was his most cherished one.

Giulio was also a man of great Faith.  He became an alter server at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Worcester shortly after arriving in this country.  Every Sunday, you would find him serving on the alter while his children would adoringly watch from the front pew.  Giulio was a strong believer in Jesus and brought his family to the Lord.

Giulio’s legacy was one of grace, humility, and love.  After an encounter with Giulio, whether brief or extensive, you were left with a smile on your face and a lifted spirit. His characteristic smile was genuine and heartfelt. He was filled with the gift of gratitude, joy, and a child-like, pure love of all things.  To know Giulio was a gift.  At the final season of his life, he remained faithful to God and kept his humor and excitement of life.  He grabbed on tightly to his family and held them until he passed to his eternal resting place.

Funeral services for Giulio will be held from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester, MA 01605.  Calling hours will be on Friday August 13, 2021, from 4-7pm.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, 15 Chatham St. Worcester, MA 01609.  Burial will take place at a later date.

For those unable to attend Giulio’s mass, you may watch via “Live Stream” by going to www.mercadantefuneral.com and click on “Live Service”.  To send your prayers, share your memories and express sympathies, please visit Giulio Giassi’s personal guestbook at www.mercandantefuneral.com.