Shrewsbury – Ralph Groccia, 67, formerly of Millbury, passed away Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 in Marlborough Hospital, with family gathered around him.
Born in Worcester, a son of Salvatore and Rose (Perri) Groccia, he graduated from High School and joined the U.S. Army to serve his country during the Vietnam War. Upon returning, he lived most of his life in Millbury before moving to Shrewsbury 10 years ago.
Mr. Groccia is survived by his love and wife of 40 years, Chris Ann (Lenis) Groccia; a daughter, Stephanie Mastrogiacomo and her husband Matthew of Millbury; his greatest love, Samantha, his granddaughter, who called him “Woofie”; three brothers, Salvatore Groccia Jr. of Daytona Beach, Florida, and George and Gerald Groccia of Worcester; three sisters, Louise Ginisi of Shrewsbury, and Beatrice Artuso and Delores Moroski, both of Worcester; and many nieces, nephews extended family and friends, including his godson, Michael Groccia. Two brothers, Joseph “Cookie” and Anthony Groccia, and a sister, Betty Geldart, predeceased him.
Mr. Groccia worked more than 40 years in construction for F&G Construction before retiring due to illness. He was a big guy with a bigger heart, a true gentle giant. He loved the simple things in life, a good Pats or Red Sox game, country music, taking Sammi to the park, sitting with his brothers talking about the good times, and big bowl pasta. He was one of those special people in life. He lived by the motto “Work hard and Take care of those you love.” He had a great sense of humor and will be missed by all those who knew him.
He was a member of Our Lady of Loreto Church and the Quinsigamond Post 318, American Legion.
His funeral will be held Wednesday, Feb. 8, from the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 5 to 8 pm., in the funeral home.
