John P Monopoli

John P. Monopoli, 94, of Worcester passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, Wednesday, December 12, 2018 after a brief illness.  

John was born and raised in the Italian neighborhood of Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, one of five children to Natale and Lucretia “Grace” (Pedone) Monopoli.  Born under the Greatest Generation, John joined the U.S. Army during World War II, serving his country proudly in Europe and Germany. 

Upon his discharge, John returned to Worcester working in several fields, including a machinist dye cutter for Acme Cutting and Die CO., a bartender for the Eastside Improvement Club and former Black Orchid.  In 1963, John married Carol Montagna and began a 55-year marriage full of love and family. 

John is survived by the love of his life his wife, Carol; four children, John L. Monopoli and his wife Sandra, Louis J. Monopoli and his wife Regina, Chris M. Monopoli and his wife Sandra all of Worcester, and Jennifer DiPilato of Northbridge; two brothers, Peter Monopoli of Grafton, Gaetano “Nino” Monopoli and his wife Christina of Worcester; A son, Donald Richard, two sisters, Donata “Dina” DiPersia, and Angelina “Lina” Kamyk all pre-deceased him; 12 grandchildren he adored and cherished, Nicole, Matthew, Christina, Paige, Taylor, John, Anthony, Alyssa, Sophia, Mia, Alexandra and J.J.; Several great grandchildren; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. And last but not least, his best buddy and grand-dog Rocco Monopoli, a five-year-old Puggle.

John was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, the Men’s Biscegliese Society, Eastside Post 201, American Legion, the Eastside Improvement Club, and the Italian American VFW Post 3.  John enjoyed watching sports, the trips to the Casino and horse track. Above all, he loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and games.  As family at the center of his core, the holidays, special occasions, and family gatherings when his entire family could be together were when he shined brightest.

Friends and relatives are invited to a period of calling hours, Monday, December 17^th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St followed by a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am.   Burial with military honors will follow in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances can be made to the St Jude Children’s Research hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn.  

The Monopoli family would like to thank the Staff and doctors of Saint Vincent’s Hospital, 2^nd floor South for the care, comfort and compassion during a difficult time