Barbara C. Abasciano

Barbara C. (Pelosi) Abasciano, 92, of Worcester, formerly of Shrewsbury, was surrounded by her loving family in her final days and passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Christopher House of Worcester. She was married to Gaetano “Nino” Abasciano for 42 years until his death in August of 1986.

Barbara is survived by three sons, Steven P. Abasciano and his wife Mary Ann of Charlton, Frederick J. Abasciano and his fiancé Jennifer Clark of Shrewsbury, Brian J. Abasciano and his wife Valerie of Hampton, NH; two daughters, Diane Goselin of Holden, and Cathy Gulino and her husband Joseph of Melrose; a brother, Joseph Reynolds and his wife Donna of Princeton; a sister, Antoinette Manguso of Hopedale; twelve grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Mary Reynolds, stepfather, Frederick Reynolds, a brother -in-law Robert Manguso, son-in-law, Dennis Goselin, two sisters, Edith Rucci and June Mellen. Barbara was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Peter Pelosi and Mary (Carraciolo) Reynolds.

Barbara worked for many years as a server at local eateries including Nicky D’s Donut Shop, the Donut Inn, Friendly’s in White City, and at Sam’s Bakery. Her smile and warm welcome brought customers great happiness. She was a member of Saint Anne’s Church and enjoyed gathering for coffee with friends after Mass at Dunkin Donuts. She enjoyed dancing at the Frohsinn Club, playing BINGO and walking.

Barbara will be remembered by her family as a wonderful mother who was a great cook, always smiling, loved to dance, and was filled with the joy of life. She shared her love abundantly with family and friends and will be missed.

Calling Hours will be on Saturday, February 15, from 9:30 am until her funeral service begins at 11 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Patient Activity Fund at Christopher House, 10 Mary Scano Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, or The Alzheimer's Association (https://act.alz.org/site/PageServer), which is devoted to ending all forms of dementia.