Irene (Petrone) Giarusso

Irene (Petrone) Giarusso 93, a lifelong resident of Worcester passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 8^th, 2019 surrounded by the ones she loved. 

Irene was born in Worcester, one of seven children of Antonio and Maddalena (Raimondi) Petrone.  Raised in Worcester, a member of a large Italian family, she cherished her heritage, and catholic faith and found great joy, living in her childhood neighborhood of Worcester.   Irene worked for the city of Worcester, as head clerk for the license commission over 25 years before retiring.  In 1989 she received the Thomas S. Green Award, for outstanding service to the City of Worcester.

Her husband Frank J. “Kayo” Giarusso passed away in 2003.  She is survived by her four devoted children,  John “Jack” J. Giarusso and his wife Karen Berni-Giarusso of Sutton, Angela M. Giarusso, Carla M. Rogers and Philip J. Giarusso all of Worcester;  six  cherished grandchildren who lovingly called her “Nonnie”, Jayna Rogers and her husband Kenneth Bateman, Joseph Giarusso and his wife Kathryn, Natalie Rogers and her fiancé Marcus Gregory, Bianca L. Brady, Philip Giarusso, Jr and Michael Giarusso; four great grandchildren, Maddalena, Alex, Jaylah, and Jordan. She also leaves her lifelong friend, Antoinette Palermo, many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.  In addition to her husband Frank and parents, a grandson, John F Giarusso, and six siblings, Joseph, Ralph, Marie, Fedeli, Anthony and Raymond Petrone all pre deceased her.   

Irene was a devoted lifelong member and volunteer of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church. She was a member of its Golden Years, Our Lady of Sorrows Organization, the Christmas Bazaar Committee, and established a Thrift Store at the church. Irene was a member and officer of the local chapter of the Catholic Daughters of America.  She was an active participant of the Worcester Lodge #168, Sons of Italy and its Bocce league.  Irene truly believed that faith, family and friends were the most important parts of her life and she had room in her heart for everyone she met.  She was very generous with her love, time and resources, and helped anyone she could.  Irene loved crafts. She was an accomplished seamstress, and would regularly make gowns, costumes, and clothes for family and friends.  She was a beautiful person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family and friends, family dinners, especially Christmas eve, walking and being in the company of others.   Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten.

The Giarusso family would like to thank and acknowledge Irene’s wonderful caregivers at the Beaumont Nursing Home, and the healthcare providers from UMass Memorial Geriatric Medicine

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Sunday, May 12^th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.    Her funeral will be held Monday, May 13^th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd where her Celebration of Christian Burial Mass will be held at 11:30 am.  Entombment will follow in St John’s Mausoleum.   In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Joy of Music Program, 1 Gorham St. Worcester, MA