Worcester – John A. Cosenza, 85, of Worcester, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014, surrounded by his loving family, at Knollwood Nursing Home.
John is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Rose E. (Lupisella) Cosenza; two daughters, Tina Berthiaume and her husband Robert of Holden and Cara Fleming of Oakham; two sisters, Jean Cummings and Sylvia Gerardi, both of Worcester; two beloved grandchildren, Rosangeline “Rosie” Fleming and D. Zachary Berthiaume; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three sisters, Mary Simmarano, Louise Fulginiti, and Virginia Gallati.
John was born in Long Island, New York, the son of the late Nunziato and Angelina (Rigeri) Cosenza. He was a graduate of Worcester Boys Trade. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1951, and served his country during the Korean War.
He was the owner and a hairdresser of Mr. John’s House of Hair Design, where he ran a successful business for 40 years, retiring in 1980, and was also the owner of Nymor Sign Company.
John was a member of the Worcester Craft Center for over 10 years, and studied woodworking and finishing. He was extremely passionate about woodworking and built hundreds of pieces of colonial furniture and birdhouses.
He was a member of the Rotary Club, as well as a charter member of the West Boylston Rotary Club, and served as their president. He was also an early member of Pleasant Valley Country Club for 20 years.
John enjoyed sports, especially golf, the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He was known for his generosity and original wit and he loved his grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Summit Eldercare and Knollwood Nursing Home for the outstanding care given to John during his time of need.
Services for John will be held Friday, Nov. 21 from the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, with his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. Burial will follow in Saint John’s Cemetery, Worcester. A period of calling hours will be held Friday morning, from 9-10:30 a.m., in the funeral home prior to his funeral Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of John can be made to a charity of your choice.
To share your thoughts and memories of John, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
