Grafton – Peter N. “Pete” Monopoli, 97 of Grafton, formerly of Worcester, died peacefully Saturday, October 5th, 2019 with the ones he loved gathered at his bedside.
Peter longed for his wife of seventy years, who he now joins in heaven, Theresa M. (Gracia) Monopoli, who passed away just over two years ago on September 19, 2017. Peter is survived by his devoted family, his daughter, Diana G. Mitchell and her husband Joseph with whom he lived in Grafton; his son, Natale A. “Chris” Monopoli; two grandchildren, Jessica R. Frattura and her husband Michael of Wellesley, David J. Mitchell and his wife Nara of Millbury; and great grandchildren, Michael and Luca Frattura. Peter is also survived by his brother and best friend, Gaetano “Guy” Monopoli and his wife Tina; a brother in law, John P. Gracia and sister in law, Carol Monopoli; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of friends who loved him. Besides his parents and wife Theresa, a brother, John P. Monopoli, sisters Donatina “Dena” DiPersia and Angelina Kamyck, brothers in law, Domenic, Anthony, and Joseph Gracia, and sisters in law, Domenica “Minnie” D’Amico, Catherine DiStefano, and Mary Troiano all predeceased him.
Peter was born in Worcester, son of Natale and Grace (Pedone) Monopoli. Like many of his generation named the “Greatest Generation,” he joined the U.S. Army during World War II, serving his country proudly in the South Pacific with the battery D, 163rd anti-aircraft artillery battalion. Upon discharge, Peter worked at several companies and the Massachusetts State Unemployment office, before accepting a position with the U.S. Postal Service where he worked for over 25 years before retiring.
Peter was a longtime member of the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann, the Eastside Post 201 American Legion, Eastside Improvement Club, the Greendale Retired Men’s Club, and the Men’s Biscegliese Society where he could be found daily playing pinochle with his brother and friends. Peter was a huge history buff who enjoyed watching World War II documentaries on the History Channel. He loved to travel with Theresa and experience different cultures and foods around the world. He saw so much in the world that he could be thankful for. Just ordinary things he encountered on any given day that made his life extraordinary: family gatherings and celebrations, a warm greeting from his great-granddog, Marley, a good Western on TV, the food channel, warm Italian bread, broccoli rabe, the New England Patriots and his daily newspaper where he could check the stats on his beloved Red Sox. Peter lived every moment, laughed every day, and loved beyond words. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Peter’s funeral will be held Tuesday, October 8th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. with a Mass of Christian burial at 11:30 am in the Church of Our Lady of Loreto 33 Massasoit Rd. A period of calling hours with the family will be held Tuesday morning prior to leaving for church from 9 am to 10:45 am in the funeral home. Interment will be private next to Theresa in St. John’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jimmy Fund, care of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston or at www.danafarber.jimmy.fund.org.
To leave a message of condolence or share a special memory of Peter please visit her Memorial site at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
