James M Mattero

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mary “Nana” (Rozzano) Mattero-Marengo 96, and her son, James M. Mattero Jr. 69, both of Worcester on January 16, 2019.

Mary was born on July 17, 1922, in Worcester, one of eight children of Italian immigrants Domenico and Serafina (D’Angona) Rozzano. Raised and educated in Worcester, she married James M. Mattero Sr. and they began their life together raising their family off Grafton street. In 1968, Jimmy Sr. passed away leaving Mary with four young children. She valiantly cared for and guided them, supporting her children as a switchboard operator for the New England Telephone Company and as supervisor for the former Bradford House.

Mary later fell in love for the second time and married Eugene “Bill” Marengo. They co-owned and operated a ceramics studio, Mary and Bill’s Ceramics on Grafton St. near their home before retiring. Mary was devastated for a second time when she lost Bill on May 13, 2003. She continued to live on guiding and caring for her family.

Jimmy was born on March 24, 1949, the oldest child of James M. Mattero Sr. and Mary (Rozzano) Mattero. He graduated from North High School. Jim enjoyed working with his hands and as a result, he became a building contractor by establishing and operating Brightwood Realty for many years. He then established Mattero’s Bakery with his two brothers and worked there for several years before retiring.

Mary and Jimmy are survived by their devoted family, Anthony Mattero Sr., Joseph Mattero, Angela Opacki and her husband Thomas all of Worcester; three grandchildren, Anthony Mattero Jr. and his wife Karen, Mary Kadra and her husband Joseph, and Amanda Mattero; two great grandchildren, Austin Kadra and Colton Mattero; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Mary was pre-deceased by her two husbands and seven siblings.

Mary and Jimmy were members of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Mary was a former member and president of St Anne’s Golden Age Club. She loved bingo, bus trips, and travel - especially to Las Vegas, Mexico, Atlantic City, Hawaii and many other destinations with family and the Golden Age Club. You could find her at the bingo hall every Sunday and everyone that knew her knew not to schedule anything that could interfere with her bingo. She loved to cook and took great pride in making sure anyone who entered her home never left hungry.

Her family was the most important thing in her life and she made sure her family was well taken care of and helped anyone who asked or needed a hand. She always thought of and took care of everyone else before herself. She was most proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Any time she was with them it brought a huge smile to her face. Her strong will, stubbornness and sense of humor were her most prominent qualities. She was known to everyone by either “Mom” or “Nana”. Her zest and love for life will live on forever in her family and the people that she touched along the way.

Jimmy had many interests outside of work. He was an enthusiastic golfer, licensed pilot and racing enthusiast. Jimmy normally could be found on any golf course he could, in the sky’s over Worcester or at the race tracks of Westboro speedway, Epping, NH and the Pocono raceway. He also loved his fast cars and taking his niece and nephew out for rides when they were kids.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours for Mary and James, Wednesday, January 23rd from 4:00pm to 7:00pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Their funerals will be held Thursday, January 24th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton St., Worcester where their celebration of Christian burial mass will be held at 10:00am. Entombment will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute,  450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215.