Marco J. "John" Garofoli, 85, of Shrewsbury passed away peacefully Thursday, October 22, 2009, at home, surrounded by his family.

    John is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 53 years, Elizabeth J. (McManus) Garofoli; his devoted four children, Marco Garofoli and wife Marcia Batista of Palm Beach, FL, Maryann DeCiero and husband Francis of Hudson, Edward Garofoli and wife Tonya of Barre, and BettyAnn Cullen and husband Robert of Worcester; two sisters, Lucy Moynihan of Shrewsbury and Lois Lehair of Nevada. John was also survived by his nine grandchildren, Christopher, Sheila, Sarah, Michael, Jamie, Daniel, Rachel, Patrick, and Alicia, and two great grandchildren, Jackson and Matthew and pre-deceased by Samantha. Five sisters and a brother, Martha, Frances, Isabelle, Annie, Theresa and Maurice pre-deceased him.

    He was born in Worcester; his parents were late Donato and Maria (Consiglio) Garofoli. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and has lived here all his life.

    He was a graduate of Commerce High School of Worcester.

    John worked at Astra Zeneca International for 25 years. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus of Shrewsbury and the American Legion. John was an avid hunter from Maine to Montana. He loved fishing, golf, and bowling. He was a beloved New England sports fan, especially the Boston Celtics.

    The funeral will be held Tuesday, October 27th from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary's, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Interment will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, October 26th in the funeral home.

    The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to UMass Memorial Hospice for their care and support.