Dorothy J. Barbato

Dorothy J. (Manna) Barbato, 88, of Liscomb Street in Worcester, passed away, Friday, September 28, 2007, in the Life Care Center of Auburn.

She leaves her devoted husband of sixty-eight years, James J. Barbato; two sons, James P. Barbato PhD. and wife Ann of Sterling, and John R. Barbato of Auburn; a daughter, Joan M. Champagne and her husband Raymond of Lancaster; two sisters, Nicola Wyman and Angela Manna both of Shrewsbury; three brothers, Michael Manna of Shrewsbury, George Manna in Georgia, and Joseph Manna of Barranquitas, Puerto Rico; six grandchildren, Brian Milliard, Steven Milliard, Mark Barbato, Christine Medeiros, Michael Brady, and Jeremy Barbato; three great grandchildren, Allison Milliard, Joseph & Michael Barbato; many nieces and nephews. A brother, Angelo Manna, as well as two sisters, Antoinette Bartels and Theresa Harley, all pre-deceased her. Dorothy was born in Worcester, the daughter of Joseph and Josephine (Bisceglia) Manna and has lived here all her life. She graduated in 1935 from North High School. Mrs. Barbato worked for twenty-five years at the former Worcester City Hospital retiring in 1985 as the dietary supervisor. She had previously worked as a seamstress. She was a member of Saint Bernard Church, loved the Red Sox and Patriots. Dorothy and her husband, James were active tennis players and were featured in a Telegram and Gazette photograph as active retired seniors continuing to play the game they loved, well into their eighties. She was devoted to her family and to all those around her. She continues to be an inspiration to everyone who knew her, and will be deeply missed by all of her family.

The funeral for Dorothy will be held Tuesday, October 2nd, from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, with a Mass at 9 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann Church, 24 Mulberry St., Worcester. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Monday, Oct. 1st, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Auburn Life Care Center, 14 Masonic Circle, Auburn, MA 01501.