Michael Sacco

Michael Sacco, or “Papa” as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, 93, of Shrewsbury and Worcester, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at The Christopher House surrounded by his beloved family.

Mike was born in Garzano, Province of Caserta (Campania), Italy, son of the late Pasquale “Patsy” and Maria (Natale) Sacco. He immigrated to the US with his mother and brother, Pasquale “Pat,” arriving on the SS Saturnia on May 8, 1947, in New York City, where they were reunited with his father, ultimately settling in Worcester. He proudly served his country after enlisting into the US Army in February 1953, where he was assigned to Company F, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He served in Japan during the Korean War, rising to the rank of Technical Staff Sergeant, separating from Active Duty in February 1955, but continuing to serve as a Reservist until his Honorable Discharge in January 1961.

After returning from Japan, he met the love of his life, Maria Barbato, in Worcester, who also emigrated from Naples, Italy in 1952, and where they later married in 1957. He built his home in the Grafton Hill area of Worcester in 1962 where he and his late wife Maria raised their family. Mike was an active member of the community and particularly loved local and Boston sports, especially being an avid fan of the New England Patriots. He coached the Better Electric Jack Barry Little League team for over 15 years, leading them to a Worcester City Championship and taking the Jack Barry LL All-Star team to the state final championship game. Mike was also a skilled candlepin bowler, playing in men’s leagues, both in Shrewsbury and Auburn. Mike worked as a skilled road construction foreman with his father and brother for Bayer and Mingolla and then later with his brother for Caprera Construction until retiring in 1996 after a 40-year career and member of the Laborer’s International Union Local 243. After his wife’s passing in 2006, he moved to Shrewsbury, where he lived with his son, Pat, and family for the last 17 years. 

Mike was a devoted member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at Our Lady of Loreto Parish and volunteered at various church functions and festivals. He was a member of the Order of Sons of Italy Worcester Lodge 168 for 30 years and never missed a meeting or function; a member of its bocce league where he played in both the winter and summer leagues. Mike was also a member of the Italian American Victory Club in Shrewsbury and played in the organization’s bocce league alongside his family on the “La Famiglia” and “Sacco & Associates” teams, as well as the pitch and cornhole leagues. Mike was an avid gardener and enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden, caring for his flowers, and showing off his prized and bountiful harvests. Being a gambler at heart, he loved a good card game and going to the casino, especially with his wife Maria, brother Pat and sister-in-law Linda, and his daughter-in-law Kathy.

Mike frequently traveled with his wife, particularly to Las Vegas, as well as with his brother and sister-in-law on many bus trips, day trips, and vacations. After relocating to Shrewsbury, he continued to travel on numerous family vacations with his son Pat's family, including trips to Aruba, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and several Caribbean cruises. His most memorable trip was when he returned to Italy in 2012 for the first time after having left 65 years earlier as part of his 80th birthday celebration. He visited Venice, Rome, Sorrento, and the Amalfi coast. One of the most significant and poignant moments was his return to his childhood home in Garzano. 

For the past several years, Mike visited the Lakeside Restaurant in Shrewsbury several nights a week. Besides savoring a favorite meal, socializing with, and enjoying the company of his beloved friends was most important to him. His family is grateful for the kindness the entire Lakeside staff bestowed on him…they became his second family.

Papa’s charisma and endearing nature made him deeply loved and adored by all. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Mike is predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Maria (Barbato) Sacco. He is survived by his only son, Pasquale “Pat” Sacco and his wife Kathleen of Shrewsbury with whom he lived; three grandchildren, Brianna Keith, and her husband Matthew of Sudbury, Katie Sacco of Melrose, and Joseph Sacco of Denver, CO.; two great grandchildren, William “Liam” and James Keith; his brother, Pasquale O. “Pat” Sacco of Worcester and many nieces, nephews, countless friends and extended family. 

Mike’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to his best friend, John D’Alessandro, for his companionship and unselfish devotion as well as his personal aide, Peggy, for her care and compassion during the last year. The family would also like to extend their special thanks to Christopher Heights and Christopher House of Worcester, and the Jewish Healthcare Hospice for always putting the care, comfort, and needs of Papa first.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 4-7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 22nd at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Our Lady of Loreto Parish, 37 Massasoit Rd, Worcester. Burial will be immediately following at St. John's Cemetery, 260 Cambridge St., Worcester. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Christopher House of Worcester, 10 Mary Scano Dr. Worcester, MA. 01604 or Jewish Healthcare Center Hospice, 629 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA. 01609.