Shrewsbury – The end of an era arrived when Angelo J. “Chester” Iaconi passed away Monday, March 12, at home and with his family by his side, at age 98.
Chester was born in Worcester to Frank Iaconi and Mary Spingola, who emigrated to the United States from the towns of Isola di Capo Rizzuto and Verbicaro, in Calabria, Italy. He attended Elizabeth Street School, where he was the second baseman on the baseball team that won the Worcester City Championship. He was the second best hitter in the city. Chester graduated from Saint John’s High School, where he played football, and then earned his business degree at Becker College.
Four days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Chester felt the call to serve his country, and enlisted in the Signal Corps of the U.S. Army. Passionate about raising and racing homing pigeons since the age of eleven, Chester was an instructor in the Signal Corps, where he taught handlers to train pigeons that carried messages from the planes of downed American pilots. He served in the Army for four years, including eighteen months in the Pacific theater. Upon returning home, Chester married Lena Simoncini. For 62 years, Chester and Lena were partners and companions. They understood and complemented each other perfectly.
Chester and Lena traveled extensively, and entertained their large family and many close friends at their home in Shrewsbury. They traveled to Europe, and particularly Italy, many times. Chester also loved history and poetry. At home, with his grandson AJ at his side, Chester tended to his garden and apple orchard of 30 trees. He enjoyed sharing the many varieties and abundance of apples with friends and neighbors. His passion of breeding and racing pigeons continued throughout his life, and he won many races and awards. He was also elected as Vice President of the American Pigeon Union, with over 25,000 members across North America. Chester was a pillar of the Italian community in Worcester, always helping families who came from Italy to settle in the city.
Chester worked as Vice President and Treasurer of the Central Wholesale Grocery and he later owned and operated East Side Liquor Company, with a license that was granted to the family in 1932. He also founded and owned I&T Vending Company. Chester was a founding member of the East Side Post 201, and was its longest standing member with over 70 years of service. He could be found there with his coffee club almost every morning. Chester was also a proud member of the Sons of Italy, the former ITAM Club, and a lifetime parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Ann.
Chester was a talented storyteller, keeping his family and friends captivated—and often laughing—with his many stories from World War II, his childhood, his life on and off Shrewsbury Street, and the trips he enjoyed with his family. A long time Yankee fan, Chester was converted to Red Sox Nation by his daughter, Francesca, and then became a season ticket holder. Chester was never far from the radio or television when the Red Sox or Patriots were playing.
Chester was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Mary; his wife, Lena; his brother, Salvatore; and his son, Angelo F. “Chester” Iaconi. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Francesca M. Iaconi and son-in-law John B. Whelan of Shrewsbury; his daughter-in-law, Jane M. (Ventres) Iaconi of Worcester; his cherished sisters, Florence Lombardi of Miami Beach, Fla. and Carolina Moretti of Cranston, R.I.; and adored grandchildren, Teresa Johnson and husband Butch, Angelo “AJ” Iaconi, and Johnny and Lena Whelan.
A true gentleman, respected by many, Chester will be remembered and cherished by his family and friends.
Chester’s funeral will be held Saturday, March 17 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St., Worcester, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the Church of Our Lady of Loreto, 33 Massasoit Rd. A visitation with the family to remember and celebrate Chester’s life will be held Friday evening, March 16, from 4-7 p.m., in the funeral home. Interment with his beloved Lena will be in St. John’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. John’s Food Pantry at St. Francis Xavier Center, 20 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604.
To share a condolence for the family or share a special memory of Chester, please visit his memorial site at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
