Worcester - Gregory J. Pasceri, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011. He left this life peacefully with Margie, his wife of 53 years, at his side as always.
Born on January 27th, 1932 in Clarksburg, W.Va. He was the 4th child of John A. and Katherine T. Pasceri. As a child he attended public schools and worked many hours in his father's store , beginning his lifelong character traits of hard work and boundless energy.
Drafted in 1951 he served his country honorably in the US Army where he was stationed at Fort Devens. Massachusetts was to become his home for the rest of his life.
The generosity of the GI bill afforded Greg the opportunity to attend Clark University and was a gift that he never forgot. The experience at Clark profoundly shaped his views on political and human rights issues as he became a lifelong progressive Democrat.
It was here he met Margie, and they were to become the center of each others lives for the next 55 years. Their shared interests in books and cinema became the foundation of a love that swept them away and set the direction of their lives . A love like theirs comes to only a few.
They were wed at Christ the King Church in Rochdale , MA on September 13, 1958. Greg graduated Clark in 1960 and he and Margie began their family and had four children by the time they found the home that they would share for the rest of their lives.
Greg was a kind and loving father, active in the lives of his young children. He always had the time to hit a few fly balls, play catch, or pull together a neighborhood whiffle ball game. During the turmoil and uncertainty of the teen years, he supported his family with unwavering love
As his children had children, he became the grandfather that every child wishes for. Never too busy to take his grandchildren to Newport Creamery or to toss a football around at halftime. Many are the times he’d watch two or three grandchildren at a time- his daily five mile walks gave him an energy that even his grandchildren couldn’t match.
These were the cherished years as the love with Margie deepened in their retirement. She tended her flower gardens of daffodils and daisies which became ever larger and more beautiful with each passing year. Greg continued to mow the lawn and rake the leaves and fought his decades long battle to reseed the grass in the backyard.
Greg’s last day with us was like many others and was truly a gift. He was able to do what he loved- chauffeuring Margie to stores and ferrying grandchildren around. The afternoon found him yelling at the 4th quarter Patriots, much as he had done for over fifty years.
Greg is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marguerite (Olofson) Pasceri. His children: Steve and his wife Teresa, and his grandchildren Angela, Matt, Andrew, and Rebecca. John and his wife Beth, Gregory and his wife Kellie Ann and his grandchildren David, Sharon, Shayna, Gregory, and Michael. Marguerite Joly and her husband David and his grandchildren Genevieve, Gabrielle, and David.
Greg is also survived by his sister Mary (Pasceri) DeMarino and is pre-deceased by his parents and his brother Joe and sister Betty.
A memorial service will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Wednesday, December 7, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clark University c/o Alumnae Fund, 950 Main St., Worcester, MA 01610.