Darlene M. Perro

It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of a wonderful human being, devoted family matriarch, caring friend and dedicated trial court employee, Darlene M. Perro, 63 of Worcester who passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 14, 2023, after suffering a medical emergency.

Darlene was born and raised in Worcester, one of three daughters of the late Richard J. and Barbara A. (Ginese) Perro.  She graduated from North High School, worked for a short period of time as a dispatcher for the Worcester Police Department, before beginning a 42-year career in the Worcester District Court Clerk’s Office, recently promoted by now Clerk Magistrate Brian D’Andrea, to Assistant Clerk Magistrate.  In life, Darlene was always a person to ask when you had a question or problem and she either knew the answer or knew where to find it.  People always went to her for advice, wisdom, or help.  She was considered the “Queen” of The Perro Family and never let anyone down. 

Darlene, a friend to all, could be found at the courthouse, at a restaurant on Shrewsbury Street or in Millbury, attending her niece’s dance competitions up and down the east coast and assisted at dance recitals over the years. She also spent countless hours at hockey rinks for Joe’s games and tournaments. Darlene loved catering functions for family and friends with her famous meatballs and enjoyed traveling with family, playing cards and cooling off in her pool with a diet peach Snapple and Sky.  Holidays were special with Darlene, especially Christmas Eve at her house, Easter with her famous frittata, Halloween costume parties or any reason for a gathering with all those she loved. 

Darlene was extensively involved in her faith community.  She was a devout member of St. Bernard’s Church of Our Lady of Providence Parish on Lincoln St. where she was active in many aspects of church life. Darlene’s efforts in fundraising supported the youth initiative as well as many other programs for the parish. She also took on numerous leadership roles by volunteering at golf tournaments and meat raffles to help support those programs.  Darlene was honored in 2021 as the recipient of the Catholic Layperson Award by the Diocese of Worcester at the St. Thomas More “Red Mass” for all the work she had done for the church.

Darlene is survived by the family she loved and dedicated her life to, her two sisters, Doreen R. McElroy and life partner, Kevin Floria and Deborah L. Perro and her partner, Pam Crozier; a nephew and niece she considered her children, SSG Joseph McElroy US Army and his wife Sarah, and their daughter Rylee and soon to be son, expected June 12^th, of Fayetteville, NC, and Jennifer and her husband Dan Marleau of Worcester; many cousins, extended family members and numerous friends including her best friend, Kate Mercadante.  

Calling Hours will be held Sunday, May 21^st from 2 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME and CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral Mass will be held Monday, May 22^nd at 10:00 am in St. Bernard’s Church of Our Lady of Providence Parish, 228 Lincoln St. Worcester (please go directly to church) where her close friend Reverend Jonathan Slavinskas will celebrate her life.  Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.  Family requests that flowers be omitted and memorial remembrances in her name be made to: St Bernard’s Church of Our Lady of Providence Parish, 228 Lincoln St. Worcester, MA. 01604.