Sylvia J Gagliastre

Sylvia J. (Giacobba) Gagliastre, 81, of Worcester, died peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19.

Sylvia was born in Southbridge, daughter of Joseph and Antonetta (Romano) Giacobba.  She graduated from Commerce High School in 1956.  While raising her three children, she completed her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Quinsigamond Community College in 1980.  She enjoyed her career as a pre-school teacher at the Rainbow Child Development Center and the Cottage Children’s Center.

Sylvia leaves her three children, Gina Gagliastre, Joseph Gagliastre and his wife Karen, and Lea Carnes and her husband John; five grandchildren that she adored, Erica O’Connor and her husband Tim, who she considered a grandson, Nicole Gagliastre, Brennan Gagliastre, Jordan and Madelyn Carnes; two loving sisters, Diana Kulesza and her husband Sonny, and Gloria Hine; as well as many nieces and nephews.  She will be missed by her dear friends, Claire, Carol B., Carol G., and Jean.

Sylvia loved the ocean, country music, singing and was an avid reader.  She spent countless summer vacations at Hampton Beach, travelling to Maine, Florida, Las Vegas, Nashville and her annual visits to the Big E.  Her grandchildren will always remember singing songs with their Granny and making sugar cookies during the holidays. Sylvia was delighted to attend Erica and Tim’s wedding in September on Cape Cod and seeing the ocean one last time.

We all enjoyed you singing Happy Birthday to us each year in Italian, Buon Compleanno, we will miss you!  Xoxoxo

The family would like to thank the entire staff at the Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center for all their love, support and care during the past twelve years.

The family will receive guests during a time of visitation on Wednesday, June 10, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, adhering to “social distance” protocols and face masks.  A private Funeral Mass for family and invited attendees, will follow at Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA.  The Mass can be viewed via live stream by visiting the funeral home website at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Please remember…during the visitation and funeral services, social distancing and the wearing of face masks is paramount.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Lutheran Rehabilitation Activities Department, C/O Toni Mitchell, 26 Harvard Street, Worcester MA 01609.