Mildred "Millie" (DiCenzo) Bassan

Mildred “Millie” (DiCenzo) Bassan, 89, a lifelong resident of Worcester, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 21st, 2024, after a long period of declining health, Millie is welcomed into heaven by her daughter, Karen Alicandro who passed away in 1983, siblings, Shirley Battelle, Joseph DiCenzo, and Carol Naster.

 Millie was born in Worcester, the oldest child of Perry and Nellie (Patruno) DiCenzo. Raised in the Italian neighborhood off Shrewsbury St, she graduated from Girl’s trade School with a focus on cosmetology. Millie then began her career as a hairdresser with her own salon on Shrewsbury Street known as “Millie the Hairdresser” and in the same capacity for the State of Massachusetts at Worcester State Hospital before retiring. Millie dedicated her life, assisting her siblings through life, raising her children, and caring for her customers. She was truly a selfless, unwavering women willing to help anybody who needed her. Millie was also the de facto CEO of her son Mark’s business, Victory Bar & Cigar on Shrewsbury Street, always providing guidance, wisdom and advice when needed. 

Millie is survived by her, two children, Mark Piscillo of Worcester, and Kellie Piscillo of Shrewsbury; three grandchildren she cherished, Shannon, Tiffany, and Josiah; nine great grandchildren; a sister, Eileen Biziewski of Worcester; Many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

Millie was a wonderful woman, kind, witty, and wise with a huge heart willing to give a lending hand or word to all who asked. She was interested in Politics, enthusiastic to working the city voting polls for many years. She was a union steward at Worcester State Hospital, she enjoyed, watching TV, notably the cooking channel, and holding court with friends at the former Cottage Donuts. 

The Piscillo family would like to thank the Notre Dame Hospice, Doctors, nurses, and staff, especially Mishka and Emily for the care and compassion they gave to Millie. 

 Calling hours will be held Wednesday, July 31st from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral will be held Thursday, August 1st from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St John’s food for the poor, 20 Temple St Worcester.