John F. Marzilli

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of John F. Marzilli, 77, of Worcester, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

John is survived by his beloved wife of almost 50 years, Katherine (Angelovich) Marzilli of Worcester, his loving daughters, Marissa Coder and her husband Andrew and Maria Parenteau and her husband Matthew, his cherished sisters Veronica Howley and her husband Kevin and Marion Catacchio and her husband Michael, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. John was predeceased by his parents Salvatore and Lucy Marzilli.

Born in Worcester on April 1, 1948, John was the first child born to Salvatore and Lucy (Colicchio) Marzilli. John was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Worcester. He went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Business from Nichols College in Dudley, MA. John became a teacher in the Worcester Public Schools in 1970. Most of his years were spent at South High Community School before he retired from Burncoat High School in 2007. John also taught at various colleges including Becker Junior College, New England School of Accounting and Anna Maria College. In addition, John spent many years refereeing high school soccer.

John enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family and friends whether at home in Worcester or South Yarmouth, Cape Cod. He particularly enjoyed the beach, golfing, fishing, working on his cars and carving signs for family and friends. You could often find him sitting in the backyard enjoying the sun or tending to his lawn and garden. John was an incredible man with a personality like no other. He was loved by everyone he knew.

John was a parishioner of Christ the King Parish and a member of the Sodality of the Holy Cross for many years. He also volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass.

Though John is no longer with us and we will forever miss him, we will carry him with us in all that we do. His caring heart and selfless soul are forever ingrained into the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Calling hours will be held for John on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Christ The King Church, 1052 Pleasant St, Worcester, at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following mass, John will be laid to rest in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or to a charity of your choice.