Westborough – Nicolette P. (Napolitano) Colangelo, of Westborough, formerly of Shrewsbury, died of natural causes Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013.
Nicolette leaves her four children and their spouses, Johanna and Ron Maloney of Shrewsbury, Phyllis and John Brothers of Shrewsbury, Eugene and Dona Colangelo of Westborough, and Julio and Sue Colangelo Jr. of Land O’Lakes, Florida; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
She was born in Worcester, a daughter of Italian immigrants the late Angelo and Philomena (Parchetti) Napolitano, and later married Julio Colangelo. They lived many years in Shrewsbury. Together, they were one of the founding partners in the Indiana Screw Machine Products Co., which they later sold. Later, they founded Julio's Supermarkets, expanding their family business along with their children and their spouses to include a chain of grocery stores and shopping centers. She continued working in the business even after her husband's death in 1999.
Mrs. Colangelo spent many winters in Boca Raton, Florida and summers in New Seabury on Cape Cod before ultimately residing at The Willows in Westborough. She was a living history book – having lived through the Great Depression and many wars, watched a man walk on the moon, traded in a transistor radio for an iPad, and lived through 16 different Presidents, left her party line for a cell phone, saw a new millennium, and was the last of her seven siblings.
She was an avid reader, loved discussing politics and current events, and enjoyed visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her strong will, persistent personality and love of family.
At Nicolette's request, her family has gathered privately to honor and remember her life. Burial was in Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements by Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors – The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury.
In lieu of flowers, her family asks you to consider giving your support to Dr. Robert Tasker's NeuroIntensive Care Program at Boston Children's Hospital, 401 Park Dr., Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215 (www.bostonchildrens.org/tribute).
