John T. Small, Sr., 76, of Worcester, died on October 18, 2010 after a long illness.

    He is predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Mildred E. (Fenner) Small. He leaves four sons: John T. Small Jr., Jim T. Small and his wife JoAnne, William P. Small and his wife Penny and Christopher A. Small, all of Worcester; a younger brother, William Small of Florida; 17 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. John was born in Worcester in 1934, son of the late John and Mary (Desrosiers) Small and is also predeceased by a daughter-in-law Annette Small.

    Mr. Small graduated from the former Commerce High School in 1953 and worked for the Owens Illinois Company (formerly Dowd Box Co.) before retiring in 1999. He drove taxi for Worcester Red Cab Company for many years and was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved vacationing in the Berkshires every summer for the past 10 years. Holidays were the most important time of the year for John. He enjoyed the time with his family, but most of all enjoyed giving gifts whenever he felt like giving.

    He enjoyed playing chess, Yahtzee and card games with family and friends. John served in the Massachusetts National Guard in the mid to late 1950's and assisted during the Worcester Tornado crisis.

    Calling hours are on Friday, October 22 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM in the Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Hammond St. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association , 330 Congress St. #501, Boston, MA 02210 or the American Heart Association , 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.