Pasquale "Pat" DonFrancisco

Pasquale “Pat” DonFrancisco, 91, of Worcester passed away Sunday, August 25^th, 2019, with the ones he loved gathered at his bedside, joining in heaven his wife Christine and son Jimmy.   

Born, Pasquale Stephen Donfrancesco, the day after Christmas in 1927 in Worcester, a son of Italian immigrant Pietro “Peter” Donfrancesco who emigrated from Santo Padre, Frosinone Italy and Carmela “Millie” (Springola) Donfrancesco whose family emigrated from Verbicaro, Calabria, Italy.  Raised on Shamrock Street, and always proud to call himself “an eastside kid from St Ann’s Hill”, Pat attended Sacred Heart Academy and joined the U.S. Army during World War II, serving proudly as a Combat Engineer in Japan.  Upon discharge and return home, Pat married the “Love of his Life” Christine Ruggieri and became an Iron Worker for the Iron Workers Union Local 57.  He worked extremely hard, rising through the Union ranks to become an examining board member, the youngest union local president in the country, a local Business Agent and the Secretary-Treasurer for the Iron Worker's New England District Council before retiring.  

Pat is survived by his son, Perry DonFrancisco and his wife Dianna of Boca Raton; his three grandchildren, Christine DonFrancesco of Washington DC, Peter DonFrancesco of Nashville, and Dia DonFrancesco of Boca Raton; A sister, Josephine Tamburro of Worcester; two sisters in law, Elaine DonFrancisco, and Camilla Chartier, a brother in law George Ruggieri; his nephews, Michael Tamburro, Michael, Mark and Dan Ruggieri; nieces, Tanna Zona, Christine Caron and Gina Ruggieri; his goddaughter, Jennifer Bisceglia; Many extended family members and numerous friends.  Besides his parents, wife Christine and son James, a brother, James “Jim” DonFrancisco and nephew David Ruggieri predeceased him.

Pat was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish. A member and longtime active participant of the Eastside Post 201, American Legion, and the Iron Workers Union Local 57.  He was a humble individual who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, spending time with family and friends, daily morning coffee with his friends at the eastside post, at many coffee establishments around the area, and his trips to Florida to visit his son and family.  Pat dedicated his life to caring for his family, notably his wife Christine and son Jimmy.   Pat’s unwavering faith kept him grounded through life's challenges.   His passing leaves a hole in our hearts but his loving, caring soul and sense of humor will never be forgotten.

A period of calling hours will be held Thursday, August 29^th from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd.  His funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 am in the church.   Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in Pat’s name can be made to the Activities Fund of the Christopher House, 10 Mary Scano Dr, Worcester, MA 01605.

Pat’s family would like to thank the staff of the Christopher House for the outstanding care they gave to Pat.  The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with services.