Giuseppe "Joe" D'Andrea

Giuseppe “Joe” D’Andrea, 82, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2026, surrounded by the family he cherished.

Joe was born in San Nicola la Strada, Caserta, Italy, the son of Pietro and Antoinetta (Rossetti) D’Andrea. Raised in Italy, Giuseppe served in the Italian Army, as a Swiss Guard trainer for the Vatican Holy Sea and was a boxer. On October 8th, 1967, Giuseppe married Rosa Marie Feola. After starting their family in Italy, they immigrated to the United States on March 17, 1973, settling in the Grafton Hill neighborhood of Worcester. There they raised their family with love, faith, and dedication. Joe had a long career as a heavy equipment operator for Amorello Construction and was a proud member of the I.U.O.E. Local 4 for over 30 years until his retirement in 2007.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Rosa; his two sons, Peter D’Andrea and his wife Allison of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, and Nicola D’Andrea and his wife Darcy of Worcester, MA; his four cherished granddaughters, Gabbi, Jules, Cecilia, and Antonella, who affectionately called him "Nonno." He also leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; his twin sister, Orsolina Giaquinto; and his brother, Nicola D’Andrea.

Giuseppe was an Italian who loved his heritage and shared it with his children and grandchildren. Joe enjoyed growing vegetables in his garden, making homemade sausage, soppressata, wine, limoncello, and other Italian delicacies. He could be found foraging for mushrooms, cutting wood, and tending to his fig trees. Joe was always willing to help anyone, generously giving his time and skills to those in need. He cherished the Christmas Eve feast of the seven fishes, special birthdays and dinners, and meeting with friends at Palma’s bakery.

Friends and relatives are invited to gather for calling hours on Friday, July 10th, from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held on Saturday, July 11th, with a procession from the funeral home to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton St., where his celebration of a Christian burial Mass will be held at 10 am. Entombment will follow in the Notre Dame Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in his name may be made to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, www.jimmyfund.org/donate.