Thomas Ziccardi

It is with sadness we announce the passing of a dedicated father, grandfather and great grandfather, Thomas “Tom” Ziccardi, 94, a longtime resident of Worcester, passed away surrounded by the family he cherished January 28, 2025, after a period of declining health.

Tom was born in San Clemente, Province of Caserta, Italy, the son of Pasquale and Francesca (Zampella) Ziccardi. Raised and educated in San Clemente, Tom also attended and graduated from Technical College in Italy, and immigrated to the United States in 1952 in his early 20’s. Tom then, married the “Love of his Life” Anna Sacco in May 1952. Tom and Anna then began a 37-year life dedicated to each other and raising their family in the Grafton Hill neighborhood of Worcester, before Anna passed away leaving his side in 1988. Tom continued to lead and care for his family to this day.

Tom began his career supporting his family with DiPierro manufacturing, then Arduini manufacturing in Worcester before establishing Ziccardi & Son Marble an import, export company. He notably was instrumental in the supply of marble and construction of Notre Dame Mausoleum before retiring. 

A man of tireless energy he worked several jobs to support his family, while studying nights for a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Tom taught Italian at Our Lady of Mt Carmel and later at the college level, he hosted an Italian radio show on Sunday mornings at WORC, he also translated documents from Italian to English for members of the Italian community and was instrumental in assisting many Italians in securing employment opportunities in the Worcester area. As the host of the Italian radio show, he first introduced the world to the tenor, Sergio Franchi, who was just beginning his career.

Tom was not only a leader and inspiration to the Italian community in Worcester. His work and impact spread across Massachusetts as the past President of the Dante Alighieri Society of Boston. Through his leadership, he brought people together, fostered connections and celebrated Italian culture and heritage with passion and pride. His philosophy was simple, “enjoy a good glass of wine, good food and above all love”. Through his life and example, he made the world a better place

Tom is survived by the family he cherished, three children, Frances S. Meringolo and her husband Francis, Rosanna Burke and her husband Stephen all of Holden, Thomas Ziccardi and his wife Kelley of Westlake Village, CA; six grandchildren he adored, Matthew Meringolo and his wife Megan, Liana Donovan and her husband Kevin, Michael Burke and his wife April, Stephen Burke and his wife Elaina, Thomas Ziccardi and his wife Lauren, and Mariah Ziccardi; great grandchildren, Eva, Siena, Clara, Hazel, Evelyn and Emma, as well as his longtime companion Joanne Bucci. Many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends, both in the United States and Italy. In addition to his parents and wife, four other brothers Giuseppe, Giovanni, Eduardo and Pasqualino predeceased him.

Friends and relatives are invited to greet the family, Tuesday, February 4, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am followed by his Mass of Christian burial at 11 am in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd. Entombment in Notre Dame Mausoleum will follow. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to either Saint John’s Food for the Poor, 20 Temple Street, Worcester,01604 or The Rose Moynahan Hospice Home, 10 Judith Road. Worcester, 01602. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.