Arthur H. Verdini

Auburn - Artie Verdini always appreciated life’s simple pleasures. Dividing his time between Port Charlotte, Florida and his native Massachusetts, Artie enjoyed golfing with close friends, countless Italian cigars, the sip of a Manhattan or single malt scotch, relaxing comfortably in the gazebo and taking in the beauty of his wife’s gardens. It was a wonderful life.

Artie’s retirement came after years of hard work and numerous jobs - two per day for many years. Artie worked as a Senior Health and Code Inspector for the City of Worcester for over thirty-four years. He retired in 2000 and while at the city Artie was also the well-recognized face of the Northworks Restaurant on Grove Street where he began as a bartender before managing the business for twenty-five years. Patrons and employees quickly became friends and extended family. Artie was the fabric that helped make the Northworks a popular spot and destination in the city.

Arthur Henry Verdini was born April 21, 1941 in Worcester, son of the late Arthur T. and Mary E. (Ruggieri) Verdini. Raised in Worcester, he attended Mount Saint Charles Academy in Woonsocket, Rhode Island but then returned to Worcester where he graduated from Commerce High School with the class of 1960 and then studied at Worcester Junior College. He served as well in the Army National Guard.

Artie grew up around the family milk business, H. Verdini & Sons on Fountain Street, and in the early seventies he owned and operated Verdini Uniform & Maternity Shoppe on Front Street, as well as the Chicago night club on Highland Street.

Artie loved Frank Sinatra and anything he sang, sailing with his wife, Helen on his boat ‘Verdi’ on the waters in Mystic, Connecticut, as well as tinkering with his favorite Porsche or antique car. He enjoyed travelling locally and to Europe, including skiing the Alps with friends in younger years and later in life, visiting relatives in Fano, Italy with his wife, Helen.

Artie died Monday, July 3, 2023 in Rose Monahan Hospice Residence in Worcester after a brief illness.

He leaves his wife of 33 years, Helen Ann (Buckley) Verdini; his sons, Arthur H. Verdini Jr and his wife, Elizabeth of Duxbury and their daughters Gabriella and Lilia, David C. Verdini of Worcester and his son Thomas; his first wife, Barbara (Miron) Verdini of Shrewsbury; his stepchildren, Stephen Owens of Auburn, Michael Owens of Easthampton and Tracey Caterine of the United Arab Emirates; step-grandchildren, Rowan Emma and Christopher; he was a brother of the late Lois Yeulenski; also survived by nephew Thomas Yeulenski of Franklin.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Artie’s life on Thursday, August 3rd from 4 – 7 at Nuovo Restaurant, 92 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester. A period of memory sharing will be held at 6:30 p.m. There are no calling hours. The burial is private.

Arrangements by James & John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02453.