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Andrew Collaro Obituary

Andrew Collaro, Jr. 87

Shrewsbury - On Monday, September 14th Andrew Collaro, Jr. a longtime resident of Shrewsbury passed away unexpectedly, reuniting in heaven with his parents Andrew Collaro Sr and Rose (DiPilato) Collaro, his wife Annette, brother Richard, brother in law, Robert Carelli and granddaughter Courtney Kalagher who passed away June 26th.

Andrew was born in Worcester, growing up in the Italian neighborhood of Shrewsbury St. He was the oldest of three siblings and attended Commerce High in Worcester. Andy Collaro Jr and Annette (Fasano) Collaro married In 1954 in Our Lady of Mt Carmel church, and began a 55-year marriage of love and family. Annette passed away on March 3, 2009. Andy continued to live in the family home in Shrewsbury, an integral part of the Bruce Ave neighborhood, he was close friends with all for a total of 54 years. Andrew also served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

He is survived by his three daughters, Cathleen Kalagher and Cheryl Collaro both of Shrewsbury and Sharon Collaro of Worcester; his sister, Rose Marie Carelli of Shrewsbury; three grandchildren, Jamie, Mellissa and Anthony; four great Grandchildren, Andrew, Mason, Nicholas, Little Anthony; Brian Surrette whom was thought of as a son. Many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Andy worked for many years as a supervising Civil Engineer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts before retiring his unit was required to complete the Braintree police academy. Determined Andrew worked hard becoming one of the Platoon Sergeants successfully becoming a corrections officer for the Worcester County Sheriff's department before retiring. After retirement for over ten years, Andy worked part time for the Laidlaw bus company transporting children of the Perkins School.

A true family man, Andy found his greatest joy with his wife, his girls, and his grandchildren. He was so proud to have his grandson Jamie at the age of three play hockey. He never missed a game or practice loved being part of the Mid-State Hockey family. One of his fondest memories was spending time at his cape cod summer cottage, spending time with friends and family, picking muscles under the Bourne bridge and fishing. Having his family was the most important part of his life and brought him his greatest happiness. He also enjoyed watching football and baseball especially the New York teams.

Andy's funeral will be held Tuesday, September 22, at 11:30 am in St Mary's Church, 640 Main Street Shrewsbury Entombment will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum. There are no calling hours. The family request that flowers be omitted. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements. Live streaming will be available at www.mercadantefuneral.com

www.mercadantefuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Sep. 18 to Sep. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Collaro

Sponsored by Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester.

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George & Susan Pressey

September 24, 2020

We extend our most sincere condolences to the entire Collaro family. Jigger worked with Andy at the Engineering Dept. Recently, he looked forward to their weekly Supermarket Meetings. They had a lot of laughs together. He will be missed by all. Our thoughts & Prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Jigger & Susan Pressey.

Dr and Mrs Stephen Pezzella

September 23, 2020

Our sympathy goes out to the Collaro family, cherish the wonderful memories,! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!

karen carlson

September 22, 2020

Hi.
I worked with Andrew in the fall of 2005 at First Student. I was a monitor and he was the first driver I ever worked with. He was such a nice man and we got along very well. We often discussed the shows we enjoyed on WGBH (CH2). He will be missed. I extend my sympathy to his entire family.
See you on the other side Andy! Karen

Lou DeSantis

September 22, 2020

To Junie's family, So sorry to hear of Junie's passing,,,,,,He is in a better place and still with his family.........so many laughs come to mind from Emanuel's barber shop, Assumption College, and around the neighborhood.......Rest in peace.............

Anthony Collaro

September 21, 2020

I love you papa. I’ll miss seeing you everyday. It’s been so strange not having you around the past couple days. I don’t think that feeling will ever go away. I will always feel like something is missing every single day. That something will always be you. Thank you for teaching me how to become a man. Than you for not only being my grandfather but also my actual father. Writing this is so surreal to me. You were the strongest person I knew. You still are. You always will be. Still I don’t think life took you away. I think you finally just said enough is enough and you let the heavens have you. You will always be undefeated in my eyes. I promise to stay strong. After all I gained my strength from growing up with you. I miss you. I love you papa.
Anthony.

Dottie N

September 21, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Maria (Genatossio) DiVerdi

September 21, 2020

To the Collaro family,
We are all so sorry for your loss. Memories of many many happy years living on Bruce Ave. include this wonderful man. We all adored his kindness, warmth and humor. Forever in our hearts.

Tommie Simone

September 20, 2020

Father Brother Grandfather Uncle Friend to me will be missed. The conversations about all the old timers and memories of the old days .Sorry for your loss.Tommie Simone and family

Gary Vecchio

September 20, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the entire Collaro family. I knew Junie all my life. Those of us from the Shrewsbury Street Neighborhood who knew him that long referred to him as Junie.

He was so kind, caring, and always a pleasure to talk to. He will be missed.

Rest In Peace, my friend.

Stephen Boffoli

September 20, 2020

Kathy and family so sorry for your loss ,my thoughts and prayers are with you

MR. & MRS STEVEN DiNOIA

September 20, 2020

Dear Cheryl, Cathy, Sharon & Rose Marie,

We are so very sorry to hear this news of your loss. He was such a kind caring neighbor and always had a big wave and smile every time he saw you. May GOD give you and your family comfort and keep you strong during this most difficult time. R.I.P.

MR. & MRS. STEVEN DINOIA

anthony dipilato

September 19, 2020

To Kathy, Sharon and Cheryl. I want to extend my sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. "Junie" was a prominent person in me and my brother's youths in the early days. He was kind ,funny and always made us feel special. It was a treat to be in his company. My father and Junie were not only family, they were good friends. Junie had an indomitable spirit which he passed on to you guys. God Bless and love always,
Anthony DiPilato Jr.

Suzie Tavano

September 19, 2020

My sincere condolences to the Collaro family for your loss. May the wonderful memories created throughout the years sustain you in the difficult days ahead. May he Rest in Eternal Peace.

Carl gentile worcester mass

September 19, 2020

Prayers for Andrew!! R.I.P.

Beth Bartholomew

September 19, 2020

Dear Cathy, Sharon and Cheryl. I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I will always remember him as a quiet soft spoken guy who loved his family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Paula Rocco

September 19, 2020

My heartfelt sympathies to the Collaro family, cherish all the wonderful memories you have, my thoughts and prayers are always with you. An old family friend. Love Paula Rocco

Carl DiPilato

September 19, 2020

Cathleen, Sharon & Cherylann ,
Sorry to learn of Junie's passing. There are so many fond memories of both Junie & Annette's kindness towards my family . Trips to Nantasket Beach and Sunset Beach along with Christmas at Puritan Ave being the capstone. My personal favorite was watching Yankee games at 28 Shamrock in 1959 , it was a novelty few enjoyed at the time. Campaigning was an adventure in the '60's too. Never a dull moment and Junie's warm assurance was a constant mainstay through some uncertain situations. Many condolences & compassions for a humble guy and a hard working family man who gave his all.

September 18, 2020

Sharon and Family , we are so sorry for the loss of your dad. With deepest sympathy. Love Pat ,Tom and Kim Gremo.

Carolyn Borrelli

September 18, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful man. Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Collaro family. May Andy Rest In Peace.
Joe & Carolyn Borrelli & family

Trish Shea

September 18, 2020

To Kathy, Sharon and Cheryl, My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Your father was a wonderful man, who was always so kind and loved by all of us on Bruce Ave. I was so fortunate to have grown up with him right next door. We have so many fond memories and I will always cherish those special times.
May "Juni" rest in peace, and you and your family find comfort in your memories. He will be missed but never forgotten. Love to you all.

Trish

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640 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA

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