Louis R. DiVirgilio

On September 26, 2021 Retired Worcester Fire District Chief, Louis R. DiVirgilio, passed away peacefully with his children at his side.

Louis was born in Worcester on May 3, 1928. He was one of two children of Emilio and Congetta (Bovenzi) DiVirgilio. He was a graduate of North High School and Quinsigamond Community College.

In June of 1946, at 17 years old, Louis enlisted and proudly served his country in World War II as a member of the United Stated Marines, where he was stationed in China.

Upon returning home after his honorable discharge  from the service, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann (Palermo) DiVirgilio. Together they raised three children and were married for 66 years until Mary predeceased him in October of 2014.  Louis was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.  He put his family before anything else and was a wonderful role model to his children, teaching the values of hard work, respect, and generosity. He was kind and compassionate toward everyone who knew him and he instilled those traits in his children and grandchildren.  Louis generously gave to several charities, especially any involving children and never hesitated to help anyone in need. Even through his recent illness, his kindness was with him until the end.

Louis proudly served the citizens of Worcester as a firefighter for over 32 years until illness forced his retirement at the age of 62. He served on several engine and ladder companies, as well as many divisions, rising in the ranks until he was appointed to District Chief of Worcester in 1985. He was incredibly proud of his work as a firefighter and officer and was greatly respected for his leadership and dedication to his men, the department, and the city of Worcester. 

Louis was proud of his Italian heritage and enjoyed traveling to Italy with his wife, Mary.  He loved listening to Italian operas, woodworking and cooking Italian meals for his family and neighbors. He enjoyed traveling to Maine and spending time by the ocean in the home that he designed and built in Wells.

Louis will be greatly missed by his three children, Lucy Lukason and her husband Richard of Sutton, Ralph and his wife Susan of Holden and Louis and his wife Patricia of Northbridge, his sister, Lucy Chabot of Millbury, eight  grandchildren, Susan Lukason and her fiancé John of Whitinsville, Lisa Lukason of Sutton, Melissa Girouard and her husband Michael of Spencer, Amy Young and her husband James of Harwich, James DiVirgilio of Holden, Laura Urbec and her husband Edward of Holden, Michael DiVirgilio and his wife Taryn of Northbridge, Steven DiVirgilio and his wife Courtney of Northbridge, twelve great-grandchildren and four nephews.

Louis was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel/Loreto Parish, the international Brotherhood of Fire Fighters Union, Worcester Fire Relief, Fire Dept. Credit Union, WFD Retiree’s Association, and The Marine Corps League.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours on Thursday, September 30^th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St, Worcester.  His funeral will be held on Friday, October 1^st from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church where his Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 11:00 am. Burial with U.S. Military Honors will follow in St. John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester Firemen’s Relief Association, 141 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.