Maurice "Moe" Abasciano

Maurice "Moe" Abasciano, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012 with his beloved family by his side. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Evelyn (Quatrale) Abasciano, his cherished son, Mark and his wife Deborah of Holden, a brother Frank of Worcester, and his sister, Josephine Losapio of Shrewsbury, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was predeceased by brothers, Anthony, Nicholas, Manuel and Gaetano, and sisters Lucy Vuona, Mary Covotta and Julia Abasciano.

He was born in Shrewsbury, son of Mauro and Mary (Papagni) Abasciano. Maurice and his family lived in Holden over 36 years before returning to Shrewsbury. He graduated from Shrewsbury High School where he was a standout athlete in football and baseball. He later played semi-professional baseball as a pitcher. He attended evening classes at Worcester Trade School and the institute of Business at Holy Cross College. After acquiring his Master Plumber's license, he became a member of Worcester Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union No. 4 and worked on many construction projects in the Worcester, Boston and New England area before retirement.

Maurice was a U.S. Army Veteran where he served his country during the Korean War. At St. Mary's parish in Jefferson, he became a Charter member of St. Mary's Council of the Knights of Columbus, and later the Shrewsbury Adelphi Council #4181. He was a member of St. Mary's Church in Shrewsbury, the former Lakeman's Lodge, Greendale Retired Men's Club and the Shrewsbury Men's Friends Club. He was a professional leather craftsman and his pieces were outstanding. He volunteered at Fallon Clinic for many years.

Golf was his favorite sport and he enjoyed playing as a member at Holden Country Club and more recently at Greenhill Country Club. He loved music and dancing and good times. He looked forward to playing bocce and cards with his friends. Most of all he enjoyed family gatherings. Maurice will best be remembered for his great sense of humor, and sharing his laughter with everyone he met.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Sunday, February 5th, from 2 - 5 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Members of the Adelphi Council 4181 will meet at 3 pm Sunday in the funeral home to conduct their ritual. The funeral will be held Monday, February 6th from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Church in Jefferson (Holden),114 Princeton St. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Holden. Those who wish to remember Maurice by way of a memorial tribute are kindly asked to consider The McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys, 77 Mulberry St., Leicester, MA 01524.