John L. Evangelista

John L. Evangelista, 94, of Worcester, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on Friday June 30, 2023 in his home, alongside his loving daughter and grandchildren.

John was born in Worcester on June 15, 1929 to Joseph and Margherita (Sette) Evangelista. The youngest of nine, John was raised amongst a close-knit family in the Italian neighborhood off Shrewsbury Street. At a young age John began working selling newspapers in the early morning hours before he would attend school at the Academy of Sacred Heart. Once John was old enough, he enlisted in the Army and worked his way to Sergeant during the Korean War. During the war, John’s assignment was to cook dinner for all the men in his regiment. This is where John first discovered his love of cooking and entertaining. Leaving the Army with his newfound skills, John returned to Worcester and began working for Table Talk Pies. 

On May 23, 1953 John married the love of his life and best friend Ida Armenti. John and Ida were blessed with one daughter Jody, who married Denis Richard of Auburn, Ma. They in turn gave them six grandchildren, Michael Richard and his wife Julianne of Holden, Ma; Julieanne Karcasinas and her husband Edward of Holden, Ma; John Richard of Worcester, Ma; Justine Thanas and her husband Brian of Holden, Ma; Brian Richard of Worcester, Ma; and Alanna Burlas and her husband Brian of Worcester, Ma. John was also privileged to be a great grandfather to Beckett, Theodore & Tatum Richard, Emmalyn, Luke & Jack Karcasinas and Caleb & Rory Thanas. John is predeceased by his three brothers Larry, Leo, and Tony and five sisters Phyllis Ursoleo, Theresa Vigliotti, Jennie Ciociolo, Ann Fournier, Christine Iaccarino. He is survived by two sisters-in-law, Norma Armenti, Lucy Cariglia and her husband Marty.

John loved his family fiercely and adored spending time with them above anything else.  Along with his loving family, John leaves behind his true legacy, The Parkway Diner.  

On October 1, 1956 the Evangelista Brothers bought the Parkway Diner at 148 Shrewsbury Street, so they could “build their castle,” and from that, many castles followed. John was a true entertainer at heart, and he loved being the star of the show, with The Parkway Diner being his stage. He spent the best years of his life working as the Parkway’s front grill man and entertaining everyone who came through the doors. In John’s later years, he could often be found down at Parkway greeting the customers, regaling them with stories of his days on the grill, and playing his numbers at the bar. In the off-chance John wasn’t at Parkway, he was hosting dinner parties for his friends and family or heading down to the Cape to enjoy a coffee on the beach. 

John was a longstanding member of the Sons of Italy and was beyond proud to serve as the first ever Grand Marshal of the Worcester Columbus Day Parade in 1996. John lived his life to the fullest and will truly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for Calling Hours on Sunday, July 9th, 2023, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 10th, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike (route 9 east), Shrewsbury.  Interment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

Flowers may be sent or donations may be made in John’s name to: Brookhaven Hospice, 114 Turnpike Road, Ste 206 Westborough, MA 04581