Julie Ritacco

Julie (Brescia) Ritacco, 92, of Worcester, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023, with family at her bedside.  She is reunited with her loving husband and soul mate, Angelo C. Ritacco, Jr., who predeceased her in July 2002.

Julie is survived by the family she was proud of, including her daughter, Linda Charamella and her husband Steven of Worcester; two sons Ronald C. Ritacco of Jamaica Plain, and Gary A. Ritacco and his husband Michael Hunter of Key West; her grandson, Marco Charamella and his wife Kelly Fitzgerald and their daughter, Ariana; nieces and nephews.  Julie was predeceased by a brother and two sisters, Vincent Brescia, Rose Patnod, and Isabel DiMauro.  Julie was born in Worcester, daughter of the late, Francesco and Angelina (Capurso) Brescia.

Julie was a devoted church goer and became a member of Saint Anne’s Church in Worcester after the closing of Saint Margaret Mary Church.  She remained independent well past the age where many would retire as she continued working as a sales and marketing agent for a hearing aid company until the age of 84; having previously worked for the Leukemia Society of America.  She loved her jobs, most of all, because she was helping people in need.

Julie and Angelo enjoyed many years together, raising their family in the home he built from the ground up, travelling, and simply enjoying the love they shared.  Julie enjoyed playing cards, reading, travel, “The Wonder of It All”, and spending time with friends and family. 

After Angelo’s death, Julie looked forward to hosting weekly card games with her dear friends. She cherished her Friday night visits with her son Ron and spending time with her grandson, Marco and his wife, chatting about the “good ole days”.  Shopping with her daughter Linda and son in law Steve was a delight for Julie, as she loved a great find at TJ Maxx or The Natick Mall.  She was so fortunate to winter with her friends in Florida and loved her annual winter trip to Key West to visit Gary and Michael. 

Julie was blessed in so many ways.  She continued to share her smile, her generosity, her faith, and overall zest for life.

Julie’s family would like to thank the caring staff at UMass, for the tender care and compassion they provided Julie and her family. 

Calling Hours will be on Tuesday, January 24, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  Her Funeral will be on Wednesday, January 25, departing the funeral home at 9:40 a.m. in procession to a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass at Saint Anne’s Church, 120 Boston Turnpike Road (route 9 east), Shrewsbury.  Entombment will follow at Notre Dame Mausoleum in Worcester.

Donations in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association, by visiting www.heart.org.

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