Stephen A. Palmieri, Jr.

On Monday, January 18^th, 2021, the Worcester community lost a wonderful family man with a huge heart, and generous soul, Stephen A. Palmieri, Jr.  77, after a  long battle with health complications. 

Stephen was born in Worcester, the oldest son of three to Stephen A. Palmieri, Sr, and Sophie(Conti) Palmieri.  Raised in the Italian section of Worcester, “Shrewsbury Street”, he graduated from North High where he was a standout athlete notably selected all city by the Worcester Telegram in basketball and baseball. He was even drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1961.  Stephen earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he earned his nickname “Meatball” for all the sandwiches he ate.  He served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard followed by a career as a civil engineer with Worcester County engineering department rising through the ranks to Chief Engineer before working in the same position for the City of Worcester DPW before retiring.   Stephen and Eleanor raised their family in Boylston for 30+ years before moving to Grafton over 10 years ago. 

Stephen grew up on the Eastside of Worcester, in the famed Italian section Shrewsbury Street, enjoying all the activities at East Park, the Italian festivals, and all the offerings enjoyed those days.  He was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church as well as the Worcester County retiree’s association.   An excellent athlete, Stephen excelled in two sports: baseball and basketball. He was captain of the Eastside Post 201 Legion baseball team, and notably a member of the District Four Legion all-star team in Milford.  

Stephen was an avid tennis and golf player.  He was a high school referee for multiple sports and was a member of the Central Massachusetts Soccer Organization board since 1975 and acting Treasurer since 2004. When he could no longer play sports or referee, Stephen enjoyed attending sporting and theater events of his grandchildren, cooking, painting, and gardening.

Stephen is survived by the family he loved; his wife of 53 years, Eleanor (Campomizzi) Palmieri; his two children, Cheryl Palmieri, and her three children, Alyssa, Madison, and Matthew; Stephen J. Palmieri, his wife Michelle: two brothers, Robert E. Palmieri, former Worc City Councilor Phillip Palmieri and his wife Maria, nieces and nephews including, Elise and Alexandra; as well other extended family members and many friends.  

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, January 27^th from 4 pm to 7 pm at the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  COVID-19 restrictions (masks and social distancing) within the funeral home will apply.   

His funeral service and burial with his parents in St Johns Cemetery will be private.