Dorothy R. “Dot” (Pugliese) Garofoli, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2014 at the age of 90 with her loving family gathered around her.

     Dorothy was born in Worcester, one of seven children of Biagio and Albina (LaMarche) Pugliese. She grew up in Worcester, and graduated from Worcester Public Schools. In 1950, Dorothy married her love and husband for the next 58 years, Maurice “Moe” Garofoli. They settled on Grafton Hill to raise their family and have lived there ever since.

     Dorothy’s husband Maurice passed away in July of 2008. She is survived by her devoted family; Her children, Paul R. Garofoli and his wife Pina of Worcester, Sylvia R. Shays and her husband James of East Brookfield, Rosemarie Garofoli and her partner Robert Proal of Auburn; nine grandchildren she cherished, James, Robert, Joseph, Christine, Daniel, Michael, Gina, Melinda and Dawn; 20 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and extended family. Her six siblings, William, Raymond, and Rudy Pugliese, Julia Capuano, Irene Atkins, Sylvia Pugliese all pre deceased her.

     Dorothy was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother; life revolved around caring for her family, especially her grandchildren. Family gatherings, holidays, special events, and just having her family around made her smile. Anyone who visited her home would not be allowed to leave hungry or without having something to eat. She loved reading, music, movies, cooking and baking.

     Dorothy’s funeral will be held Friday, January 24th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St with a Mass of Celebration at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. A period of calling hours will be held Friday from 9 am to 10:30 am at the funeral home prior to leaving for church. Flowers may be sent, or memorial remembrances made to The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, 600 Washington Street Boston, MA 02111.