Patricia L. Zambarano

Patricia L. (Veleno) Zambarano, born in Worcester on September 16, 1937, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by her family at Rose Monahan Hospice after a courageous battle with cancer.

Pat was the daughter of the late Sophia (Roszko) and Michael Veleno. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 35 years, Paul J. Zambarano, in 2023.

She leaves behind her cherished son, Mark A. Paige, his wife Lisa, and her beloved granddaughter Marissa of Wake Forest, NC.

The oldest of four sisters, Pat was predeceased by Michele Morris of Auburn and Judith Boehlein of Greensboro, NC. She is survived by her youngest sister and roommate, Margaret Chapman, and her husband Terry of Worcester, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Pat was also predeceased by her stepdaughter Lisa DeMaria. She is lovingly remembered by her stepchildren: Stephen Zambarano of Plymouth, Marie Kadlik of Holliston, Joseph Zambarano of Leicester, Kristina Russo of Shrewsbury, and James Zambarano of Plymouth. She also leaves her sister-in-law and dear friend Angela Muise of Shrewsbury, and brothers-in-law Thomas J. Zambarano of Mechanicsburg, PA, and William A. Zambarano of Worcester, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pat’s favorite pastimes included spending time with her family, reading, playing the piano, and enjoying card games—many of which she won. She was best known, however, for her extraordinary talents in crocheting, knitting, and quilting. Every family member treasures at least one handmade creation from her. One of her proudest achievements was leading a multi-state quilt project while employed at Paul Revere, which won an award in Boston and was displayed at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

A graduate of Commerce High School in Worcester, Pat worked for the Treasury Office of the Town of Shrewsbury and later as an administrative assistant in data processing at Paul Revere, retiring in 1998.

She and her husband Paul shared many adventures snowbirding between Worcester and Florida, including a cross-country trip in their camper. She was also lovingly remembered for her creative culinary substitutions and her early beauty, having done some modeling in her youth.

Her Catholic faith was a guiding force in her life. Pat served as a lector and Eucharistic minister and, along with her sister Margaret, sang and played guitar for folk Masses and weddings in the 1970s. She was also a member of the St. John’s Prayer Group and volunteered in several ministries alongside her husband Paul.

Pat’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester. A calling hour will be held in the church prior to the Mass, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The family invites you to join them during this time for reflection, remembrances, and to offer condolences.