Querino "Gueddy" Mercadante, Jr.

Querino A. “Gueddy” “Big Merk” Mercadante, Jr., 76, a longtime resident of Leicester, passed away surrounded by the family he so dearly loved, Monday, July 20th 2026.

“Gueddy” or “One eye” as he was affectionately called was born in Worcester, September 23, 1949, the son of Querino A. “Freddy” Mercadante, Sr. and Mary Jean (Carrier) Mercadante. Raised on Sunderland Road in Worcester with his seven siblings he attended Worcester public schools. At the age of 17, Gueddy lost his father to a truck accident. He then took the responsibility as the youngest son to help his mother raise his brothers and sisters,to keep them safe and focused on their future. Gueddy worked many jobs, mostly as a construction truck driver for the local 170 teamsters and for his brother Franny’s company before retiring. Gueddy after twenty years of friendship began dating the “love of his life” Diane Milewski in 2000, and after two years of dating they married and have been dedicated to each other for over 26 years.

He is survived by his love and soulmate Diane, who never left his side; two daughters “his girls” Brenda Mercadante and her husband David Fox, Tina Arell and her husband Mark; four siblings, William A, Mercadante, Francis “Merk” Mercadante, Shirly Marr and Donna Mastrovito; five grandchildren, Charles Querino Fox, Rachel Fox, David, Erik, and Tiffany Arell; four great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. In addition to his parents, Gueddy joins in heaven his brother Freddy, and his sisters Diane Norsigian and Mary Jean Rano.

Gueddy made friends easily and with everybody because of his bright smile, huge heart and caring soul, whether at a night spot, work, or social events, he made friends. Merk had a heart bigger than life itself for his family and friends. His motto was “work hard and play hard.” Gueddy and Diane lived on Cedar Meadow Pond in Leicester, a place he found peace, relaxing during cherished times in the mornings, evenings or celebrating cookouts and gatherings. He enjoyed the pontoon boat riding with family and friends or just him and Diane cruising the Lake. Gueddy also loved cooking, boating, NASCAR, watching television, helping build race cars and visiting racetracks during races. His favorites being, Laconia, Daytona and Charlotte. He was just a friend to all who will be missed. When you laugh your friends laugh with you, when times get tough there’s only that few that stand beside you.

A special thank you to his brother in law and friend Billy Milewski, his wife Dawn, his best friend Dickie Sabatalo, his wife Dorris, and Dickie’s grandson Angelo “The Little Man,” his cousin Victor Mercadante, Bobby Z and Diane’s sister by choice Mary.

And to my brother Billy, you have been my rock for the last couple years through all that has transpired.

A period of gathering with family and friends will be held Saturday, July 25th from 2 pm to 5 pm followed by a prayer service at 5 in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Burial will be private.