Maria (Masciari) Fulginiti

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Maria (Masciari) Fulginiti, 101, a longtime Worcester resident, who joined her beloved husband of 62 years in heaven, Luciano, on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at home in her sleep. 

Maria was born and raised in Montauro, Province of Catanzaro, Italy, the daughter of Luigi and Carolina (Mercurio) Masciari.  She was one of seven siblings raised in Montauro.  In 1945 during World War II, Maria married her beloved Luciano.  In 1955, they emigrated to the U.S. and settled in Worcester joining Luciano’s brother, Raphael and other family members and friends.   Maria and Luciano traveled back to Italy numerous times throughout the many decades to visit family and their wealth of friends.  Beginning in 1990, Luciano and Maria spent many of the Northeast winters in Naples, Florida enjoying the warmth of weather, friends and family.  Maria worked in the Housekeeping Services Department at the former Memorial Hospital on Belmont Street in Worcester for many years before retiring. 

Maria’s husband Luciano passed away on April 15, 2007.  She is survived by many nieces and nephews including Liberato “Leo” Froio and his wife Maria of South Carolina, Francesco “Frank” Froio and his wife Edna of Shrewsbury, Antonio “Tony” Froio and his wife Anna Maria of Dudley, a niece Antonietta Froio of Worcester, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, Godchildren, and numerous extended family members and friends both here, Florida and in Italy.  In addition to her parents and husband Luciano, a brother, Salvatore, sisters, Giovanna, Theresa, Rachela, Concetta and Maria Grazia, and her beloved nephew, Joseph P. Froio all predeceased her.   

Maria was a long-time member of Our Lady of Loreto Church.   She enjoyed and lived in a cherished Italian household, with the smell of Italian food and delicacies always ready for the visitor, the conversations in Italian and the enjoyment of being with family, especially during the holidays.  She especially loved the Christmas and New Year’s Eve feasts of the seven fishes.  She was a special and unique woman who loved life with her family, friends and neighbors.

A period of calling hours will be held Monday, September 20^th, 2021, from 9 am to 10:30 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, followed by a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Road where her celebration Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 am.  Entombment in Notre Dame Mausoleum will follow.