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BORN
1923
DIED
2021
William Prifti Obituary
Worcester - William "Billy" Prifti, 98, a loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at home of natural causes on Thursday, June 10, 2021.
Billy was born on June 4, 1923, in Lashove, Leskovik Albania and was preceded in death by his father, Nikolla Prifti, his mother Thomaida (Celo), and his brother Polichroni.
He emigrated to Worcester in the early 1950's to live with his uncle and aunt with only $10. Through a recommendation from a family friend, he was introduced to Sofia Isildakli in Istanbul, Turkey and would marry her on May 21, 1959.
He worked at Dick's Furniture, Worcester Market, Messier's Diner, Drake's Candies, Table Talk Pies and Hebert Candies with his wife for several years.
In 1965 he started the journey to the American dream of owning his own business by working out of his house along with his wife. They opened a manufacturing and retail shop, Prifti's Homemade Candies, at 106 Green Street and worked there for 45 years, until it's closing in 2010. His work ethic was amazing and will never be duplicated again.
Billy held a patent for the all-chocolate basket, with a chocolate handle which he was very proud of. In 1979 he purchased the property and continued the legacy he left behind. He made friends with many of his customers and appreciated every sale regardless of the amount.
He was a family man who was happiest when surrounded by his wife, children and especially his grandchildren, Amanda, and Kristyn who were his pride and joy. He was most selfless person that we ever knew.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sofia (Isildakli) Prifti; his son, Nicholas and his wife Dina of Auburn, two grandchildren, Amanda Prifti and her fiancé Andrew Martin of Watertown, Kristyn Prifti of Auburn, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bill, Billy, Vasil, Dad, Papa, Pappou will be forever in our hearts and never forgotten.
The family would like to thank Elder Services of Worcester and Brookhaven Hospice, Tammy, David and especially Amanda Lopez for the compassionate care they provided to Billy.
Abiding by his wishes he will be cremated and there are no calling hours or services. The family will have a celebration of life in the future.
In support of a cure for blindness please donate to the American Foundation for the Blind, https://www.afb.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Prifti
Lawrence Trapasso
June 9, 2022
Was a great man had a wonderful childhood with my family , my brothers and i Loved Billy Prifti he is very Missed Rest in peace. will always have great Memories
Mary & Nick Seferi
July 3, 2021
Rest in peace. Your legacy will live on through your wonderful family.
God be with all of you.
Lorraine Laurie
June 17, 2021
Our prayers for the Prifti Family. We still remember all the delicious Prifti chocolate Santa lolipops that were donated for the Annual Kelley Square Christmas Lighting.
God bless. The Green Island Residents Group, Inc.
Daniel McLellan
June 17, 2021
Prayers for your family at your loss. What a wonderful candy store he built. People would come from everywhere to savor the excellent chocolate. He was a Worcester Legend. God Bless
John Perro
June 16, 2021
Knowing your father , as a shop owner to. from Perro's auto in the Green Ilsand district @ valinetines day i would go in and get his chocolate candies. a true american love story .
Larry Trapasso
June 16, 2021
Rest in peace I was so honored to grow up having Prifti´s candy
He was my father`s neighbor on Green Street at our dads barbershop
For years we enjoyed Billy´s love
And the best candy all the best to his family they were great people
Mark T Carpenter
June 16, 2021
Just reading "Prifti" puts a smile on my face, Easter was always so special because of the wonderful chocolate Mr. Prifti made. May God grant him some of the happiness he provided to so many! God Bless
Geoff & Joanne monks
June 16, 2021
Nick, Dina & family
We are so sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are sent to all of you with love.
Mike Sullivan
June 16, 2021
William a excellent man & hard worker. His chocolate store smelled so good too. Rest in Peace Sir.
Thom & Kathy Faucher
June 16, 2021
Every year it was a ritual to get the chocolate Easter baskets and the best ever jelly beans, especially the black ones. Our kids have wonderful memories of this Easter tradition and wish they could have the same for their kids. Thanks for the wonderful memories. Our prayers are with you and the family at this time.
Richard Pinto
June 16, 2021
Great Chocolate Maker!
Victoria Fontana
June 15, 2021
My sincerest condolences to the family of this wonderful man
Thank you for many years of your delicious creations ,and all the hard work into making people happy.
When I made my Easter baskets for my children, your place is the first stop.
And you made the best jelly beans.
Rest in peace sweet man ,you brought a lot of Joy to the city of Worcester.
Thank you sincerely Victoria Fontana
Susan Reno
June 15, 2021
Nick, Dina and girls
Our deepest sympathy as you deal with the loss of this amazing and wonderful man. He was a very dear friend of my father in law, who was the cop on the beat, and continued to bring all of his grandchildren to the shop to buy those wonderful chocolate baskets . It started with Dad bringing in his very first grandchild(my son) and it continued until the seven grandchildren made their last trip on the last year. Your Dad's legacy lives on in our hearts and the hearts of so many . I know Nick , that you have heard this from me before. We have you all in our prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Michael and Rachel Manseau
June 15, 2021
Sending our deepest sympathies to your entire family. We always enjoyed those all eatable Easter baskets and playing the part of the Easter bunny
God bless.
Anthony Butler
June 15, 2021
Without a doubt, one of the best small businesses in Worcester. Who remembers getting a chocolate egg at St. John's Church on Easter Sunday? Mr. Prifti, thank you. My deepest condolences to the family.
Claire
June 15, 2021
Deepest sympathy to his family. Remember going to his store, he was always such a nice man.
Stefanie DiBenedetto
June 15, 2021
Billy was such an amazing man!!! I was lucky enough to take care of him for a year! I feel in love with him his wife and family! They all are such wonderful people! Godbless and rip!
Ron Rajotte
June 15, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for all the sweet memories during Christmas and Easter. God Bless!
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