Shrewsbury/South Dennis – Evangelino “Vangy” Ottaviano, 85, of Shrewsbury and South Dennis passed away unexpectedly Tuesday March 26, 2013 at home.
Vangy was born in Worcester, a son of Italian immigrants Evangelino and Agnes (Stranieri) Ottaviano. He graduated from the High School of Commerce, and joined the U.S. Navy during World War II to serve his country aboard the USS Marak.
Upon one returning home, he met and married the woman who would become his devoted partner and wife for the next 54 years, Jane M. (Tod) Ottaviano. Together, they raise their family in Worcester before moving to Shrewsbury 37 years ago.
Vangy, always interested in tool making, attended Worcester Junior College, studying engineering, and in 1956, founded and served as President of Vangy Tool Company in Worcester until passing the company on to his children in 2002 when he retired.
Vangy is survived by his wife, Jane; five devoted children, Sandra A. Mitchell and her husband Michael of Worcester, Jane M. Belanger and her husband John Paul of Auburn, Michael Ottaviano and his wife Patricia of Princeton, Linda J. Willett and her husband Donald of Rutland, Paul Ottaviano and his wife Tracey of Shrewsbury; a brother, Joseph Ottaviano of Boca Raton; a sister, Lena V. Trainor of Shrewsbury; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews extended family and friends. Two sisters, Gloria G. DiSano and Clara A. Devine, predeceased him.
Vangy loved the community he lived in, and was active over the years in many organizations. He was a member of St Mary of the Hills Church. A longtime member of the former UNICO Club, a Life member and 3rd degree of the Adelphi Council Knights of Columbus in Shrewsbury and the 4th degree Bishops O”Reilly Assembly. The Eastside Post 201 American legion and the VFW Post 6907 in West Boylston. A member and past president of the Froshinn club in Shrewsbury, Past President of the Civitan Club, a member of the Worcester area Mental Health Board and a member of the Greendale Retired Men's Club.
In Vangy's life there was nothing more important that his family and friends. He was always pleasant with a quick wit, and bright smile. His family, especially his grandchildren, cherished him, cherished being around him during family gatherings and holidays. He loved the Cape and found comfort and relaxation in South Dennis.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours Monday, April 1, from 5 to 8 p.m., in the MERCADANTE FUINERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His funeral will be held Tuesday, April 2, from the funeral home, with the celebration of Christian burial Mass at 11:30 a.m. in St Mary of the Hills Church, 630 Cross St. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter, PO Box 845945, Boston, MA 02284-5945.
