Margaret (Donaghy) Setaro

Margaret B. (Donaghy) Setaro, 73, a lifelong resident of Worcester and Gold Star Mother, passed away surrounded by loved ones, Friday, March 24^th, 2023, seven days after her 73rd birthday.  She joins in heaven, her son, Pararescueman (PJ) Richard M. Setaro, Jr. USAF who passed away in a helicopter crash on, 6 October 1994, during a training mission at a remote location in South Korea. 

Margaret was born in Worcester on March 17^th, 1950, one of nine children of Charles and Annette (Amoroso) Donaghy.  She graduated from Worcester Girls trade Culinary Arts Program.  Margaret then married the “Love of her life” Richard M. Setaro, Sr.   They then settled in the Grafton Hill neighborhood of Worcester to raise their family.  Margaret was “blessed” to become a stay-at-home Mother raising her three sons, until her youngest began school.  She then began her working years with the Mart corporation in Grafton.  Margaret then started a thirty-year career with the Worcester Public Schools, in the Nutrition department until retiring in 2018.  She loved her job, her co-workers and especially the children she saw daily. 

Margaret, or as many called her “Aunty” loved people, the beach, reading, baking, her family and the smiles she received when serving her special desserts she prepared for friends, family, neighbors and anyone who asked for them.  Her special moments will always be remembered for the many trips her sons took her on. She was an active and devoted member of the Worcester Gold Star mothers, always striving to keep her son Richards memory and those of other family’s children who were lost in action memorialized “gone but not forgotten”.  She was a member and past president of the State, County and Municipal employees union, Worcester Local, Our Lady of Loreto Church and a founding member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles local 4311.   

Margaret is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard M. Setaro, Sr.;  two sons, 23 year, Veteran of the USAF (ret) Robert P. Setaro and his wife Danielle Jude of Worcester, 25+ year Veteran USAF Fire Captain, Ryan C. Setaro and his wife Rebecca Lynne of Bayville, NJ;  her daughter in law, Richards wife, whom she remained very close to Celeste and her husband Jean Paul Fredette of Rio Rancho NM; a sister, Marie Donaghy; three brothers, Charles “Chuck” and his wife Cookie, Richard “Dickie”, and Steven Donaghy all of Worcester; three grandchildren, Cali Hetherman, Nathan and Alexander Setaro; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and longtime friends including her best friend, Cheryl DeProspo who never left her side for the last 65+ years. In addition to her son, Richard, her parents, three sisters, Noreen Cormier, Patricia and Samantha Donaghy and a brother, James Donaghy, all predeceased her.  

A period of calling hours will be held Saturday, April 1^st from 9:30 am to 12 noon in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St, before proceeding in procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd where her Celebration of Christian burial Mass will be held at 1 pm.   Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to The American Gold Star Mothers, c/o State President, Robin Abbott, 2 Anthony Dr., Woburn, MA 01801, the Why Me, & Sherry’s house,1152 Pleasant St. Worcester, Ma, or Project New Hope Inc., 70 James Street, ste 155, Worcester.