Samuel A. "Sam" Francese

Samuel A. "Sam" Francese, 88, formerly of Worcester, passed away Saturday, November 29th, surrounded by his beloved family. Sam's wife, Mary (DiBenedetto) Francese, passed away in 1963.

He is survived by his devoted two daughters, Patricia A. Conzo of Worcester, Mary Ellen Smith and her husband William P. of Holden; his son-in-law Paul A. Conzo; six cherished granddaughters, Nicole and Jessica Conzo, Ashley, Shannon, Christina and Katie Smith; a great grandson, Mekhi Conzo-Howell; a sister, Grace Casello of Worcester; his close long time companion, Marilyn McCall; many nieces and nephews.

Sam was born in Bisceglia, Province of Bari Italy, one of five children born to the late Joseph and Antoinetta (Lopolito) Francese. He came to Worcester as a child, graduated from Worcester Boys Trade, joined the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II, earning several medals including the purple heart as a combat medic in the South Pacific during three major battles; Guadalcanal, the Fiji Islands and New Caledonia.

Sam worked as a brick mason all his life, for the Bricklayers Union for many construction companies building several of the brick structures in the New England Region before retiring. He also enjoyed buying and selling real estate.

He was a member of the former St. Margaret Mary Church, a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Union, the Men's Biscegliese Society and a former member of the Worcester Lodge 168, Sons of Italy in Worcester.

Funeral services and burial in St. John Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sherry's House, 1152 Pleasant St., Worcester 01602 or the Abby's House, 25 High St. 01609. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.