COVID-19 claims Worcester father & son days apart

  • A father and son from Worcester recently died two days apart because of complications from COVID-19.

    William D. Parretti, 83, a resident of the Greendale section of Worcester, passed away on Friday, May 1, according to his obituary.

    Robert J. Parretti, 57, William’s son, died on May 3. Robert’s obituary states both died from complications of COVID-19.

    “Bill grew through the ranks at Norton Company where he worked for more almost 30 years before retiring as plant supervisor,” the obituary reads. “After retiring from Norton Company, he worked as an insurance agent with Atchue Insurance for many years and finished out his career working at International Ceramic Engineering, where he retired in 2016.”

    Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and “later worked alongside his father and brother as a molder for the Norton, Saint Gobain company for over 25 years,” his obituary reads.

    Bill “was always ready to greet everyone who walked into his house with food, drinks, smiles and Fox News turned up just a little bit too high. … His most special accomplishment and life’s goal was taking care of his family and making sure that everyone was well taken care of. Nothing was more important to him in his life than his family.”

    “Robert adored going to the casino with his father, brother, and son for dog racing, horse racing, and keno,” his obituary reads. “Following a casino visit, he often loved to go to local bars and restaurants with his brother William and his best friend Sally Maloney to explain just how close he was to winning.”

    Bill and Robert are survived by Bill’s son and Robert’s brother, William Parretti of Worcester.

    Bill’s funeral was May 6. Robert’s services were private, but the Parretti family plans to have a large gathering in celebration of both lives at a later date.

    Mercadante Funeral Home and Chapel was in charged of the arrangements.

    What is happening in Worcester today? See below⬇️

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