Philomena T. “Phil” (DePari) Romano, 101, of Worcester passed away peacefully July 21st 2013 after a period of declining health.
     Philomena was born in Worcester, the oldest of eight children of Italian immigrants Frank and Anna (Ricci) DePari. She grew up in Worcester and graduated from Commerce High Class of 1929. Phil then accepted a position as a seamstress for the Nancy Howard Coat Factory before retiring to raise her family. She has lived here all her life.
     Philomena’s husband Joseph J. Romano, Sr. passed away in 1977. She is survived by her devoted family, Joseph J. Romano, Jr. and his wife Janice, and Ann Marie McGory all of Worcester, James Romano of Myrtle Beach; four grandchildren, Beth Dubie and her husband Michael of Acton, Christopher McGory and his wife Christine of Oxford, Jeffery Romano of Spencer, and Joselyn A. Romano of Salt Lake City, Utah; nine great grandchildren; two brothers, Joseph DePari, Salvatore DePari and his wife Theresa ; a sister, Teresa and her husband Anthony DeStratis all of Worcester; many nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her brothers, Stephan “Tex” and Victor “Count” DePari and her sisters, Mary Ciccarelli and Angelina “Angie” DePari.
     Philomena was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church and the Ladies Garment Workers Union. She was a skilled and accomplished sewer, knitter and crocheter, designing and creating everything from her own wedding dress and clothing to snowsuits, hats, mittens and afghans for family members. In her later years she took up painting producing beautiful works of art of landscapes in oil and water color. A typical Italian mother who held to her roots and passed them on to her family. She found the greatest times in her life when she could cook for her family and gather them all together.
     Her funeral Mass in Our Lady of Mt Carmel and burial in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton will be private. There are no calling hours. Memorial remembrances in her name can be made to Our Lady of Mt Carmel renovation fund, 24 Mulberry St. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.