Rocco D. Astrella, Sr., 88, of Auburn, formerly of Worcester, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Monday, September 8, 2008, in his home. His wife, Mary (Genese) Astrella, passed away in 1987.

   Rocco is survived by his loving family, including his daughter Patricia Shea-Astrella of Auburn; two sons, Rocco Astrella, Jr. and his wife Bernadette of San Jose, California, and Joseph Astrella and his wife Elaine, with whom he lived; two brothers, James Astrella of Holden and Nicholas Astrella of Worcester; two sisters, Josephine Evangelista of Worcester and Delores Rosetti of Shrewsbury; eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren; his companion of seventeen years, Lena O’Malley; many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by two brothers and three sisters, Frank Astrella, Andrew Astrella, Ann Ducharme, Victoria Gonya, and Phyllis Vacca. Rocco was born in Worcester, the son of James and Josephine (Vinzi) Astrella, and graduated from Commerce High School.

   Rocco served in The United State Army, during World War II, serving in Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was awarded the service medal ETO with 5 stars, and the Presidential Medal for the Battle of the Bulge.

   Mr. Astrella worked for Dunkin Donuts Company for nearly thirty years, as an Owner and Manager of franchises in Saugus and Worcester, retiring in 1978. He had previously worked as a supervisor for G.E. Telecron in Worcester. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann Church, The Eastside Post 201 American Legion, The Veterans of The Battle of The Bulge Chapter XXII, Knights of Columbus Adelphi Council, VFW Post 6907 West Boylston, The Frohsinn Club, The Greendale Retired Men’s Club and AARP.

   The funeral for Rocco will be held Thursday, September 11, from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 9 a.m in Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann Church, 24 Mulberry Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be held Wednesday (tonight) September 10, from 5 p.m until 8 p.m in the funeral home. Members of Eastside Post 201 will gather at 7 p.m during calling hours, to conduct a ritual.

   The family has requested that flowers be omitted.