Joseph J Alfego

Joseph J. Alfego (Joe), 70, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones on July 10, 2026 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born and raised in Worcester, Joe was the son of the late Anthony and Carmella (Santoro) Alfego. He shared 43 wonderful years of marriage with his loving wife, Maryann (Ciccarelli), though their story began long before that as high school sweethearts.

He is survived by Maryann; his sons, Michael and his wife, Alexa (Trapasso), of Boylston, MA, and David and his wife, Danielle (Godino), of Carlsbad, CA; and his three cherished grandchildren, Frankie, Dominic, and Amelia. He is also survived by his older brother, Anthony Alfego and his wife, Mary, and sister, Lorraine ("Lori") Caledonia and her husband, Richard, as well as sisters-in-law, Frances and Joanne Ciccarelli, many dear cousins, two nephews, extended family and close friends. Joe was predeceased by his sisters, MaryAnn Nivala and her husband, Jack, and Palma Gullbrand and her husband, Don.

All those familiar with Joe knew he was quick with a joke and could make a room feel at ease with an infectious smile. For nearly 50 years, Joe made his living as an electrician, building and running his own electrical and security systems business. A man unparalleled in his work ethic, he took true pride in his work to support his family and was devoted to his customers, many of whom became friends over the decades. Joe was a pillar of his community: he spent many years coaching youth sports, and quietly mentoring and donating to Worcester Technical High School, from which he graduated from, passing along the trade, and the values behind it to the next generation. He never stopped learning, tinkering, or forever teaching himself something new; there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix.

He was a member of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Worcester and a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Shrewsbury.

Above all, Joe was a devoted husband and father. He rarely, if ever, missed one of his children's games, baseball especially. He cherished time with the people he loved, family trips to York Beach, ME and Falmouth, MA, quiet hours at home in Shrewsbury or laughing with his friends. In recent years, playing with his grandchildren was a constant source of joy.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours Thursday, July 16th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His funeral will be held Friday, July 17th from the funeral home with a procession to St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main St Shrewsbury, where his funeral Mass will be held at 10 am. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Worcester Vocational Technical High School, donor choice fund, care of Worcester Vocational Technical high school, 1 Manny Familia Dr Worcester www.donorschoice.org/donate, or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston MA. www.jimmyfund.org/donate