Laura Portosa

Laura (Valerio) Portosa, 97, of Shrewsbury/Worcester, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Dodge Park Rest Home, Worcester surrounded by her loving family. Born in Worcester on March 29, 1929, she was the daughter of Pasquale and Josephine (Abatantuano) Valerio and spent most of her life in Shrewsbury.

Laura was married to John A. Portosa, sharing 57 years until his passing in 2006. She worked for Telechron Clocks, the Edgemere Drive-In, and many years at Sprague/Allegro Electric. After retirement, she and John spent many winters as “snowbirds” in Fort Myers, Florida. Laura was known for her love of cooking and baking, especially for family holidays. She also enjoyed gardening, dancing, and playing cards. Her family will forever remember her as the heart of their home- a woman who lived simply, loved deeply, was kind, dedicated, and had a quiet strength which left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Laura is survived by her daughters Paula Clapp of Shrewsbury; Angela and husband David Michaud of Southborough; Donna and husband Jack Sebeika of Sutton; and Karen and husband Pete Saturday of Savannah, GA; her grandchildren Jesse Clapp, Laura Clapp, Sabrina Wright, and Jason Saturday; five great-grandchildren; a sister Gloria Bisceglia, and many others who were touched by her warmth. She was predeceased by her husband, her siblings Lucy Garcia, Ben Valerio, Rosemarie Deshaies, Jospeh Valerio, and her son-in-law Barry Clapp.

A calling hour will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 11:00am-12:00pm at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. A funeral service will follow at 12:00pm in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury. In lieu of flowers, and to acknowledge the wonderful care Laura received, please make donations to the Staff at Dodge Park Rest Home- 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, 01606 or to Notre Dame Hospice- 555 Plantation Street, Worcester, 01605.