Shrewsbury – Joseph A. Padavano, 77, a dedicated, husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully Friday July 29, 2011, with his family by his side, from complications of heart surgery.
Born Feb. 27, 1934, in Worcester, he was one of 12 children of Giuseppe and Maria (Fulginiti) Padavano, and graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School. He married his best friend, Carolyn (Troio) Padavano, who has been his devoted wife for the past 55 years. Together, they moved to Shrewsbury to raise their children and have resided there for the past 47 years.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his four children, Joseph J. Padavano and his wife Vanessa of Shrewsbury; Dr. John J. Padavano and his wife Judy of Scarborough, Maine; Mary Lynn Jankowski and her husband Kenneth of Shrewsbury; and Carol Ann Koehler and her husband Thomas of Simsbury, Conn. “Papa” cherished his eight grandchildren, Nicholas, Christina, Alexa and Gianna Padavano; Jaclyn and Jessica Jankowski; and Anthony and Alyssa Ascare. He also leaves a brother, Anthony Padavano of Worcester; a sister, Rose Fusaro of Worcester; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Two brothers, Frank and Patsy Padavano, and seven sisters, Hortense Cariglia , Columbia Comforti, Antoinette Jarmolowicz, Domenica “Minnie” Padavano, Catherine Riggieri, Mary Mancini and Angie Azzarone, all predeceased him.
As founder and President of PADCO, Inc., an architectural woodworking firm, Mr. Padavano vigorously worked from its start in 1974 up until his recent illness. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Pleasant Valley Country Club. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at The Donut Café on Shrewsbury Street and looked forward to spending time at his second home in Saco, Maine, where he hunted in the fall and went to the beach in the summer. Most of all, he was a devoted family man. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He lived for them and was a vivid presence in all aspects of their lives. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on forever.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Sunday July 31, from 3 to 7 p.m., in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His funeral will be held Monday Aug. 1, from the funeral home with a Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.
Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Renovation Fund, 24 Mulberry St., Worcester 01604.
For online condolences, please visit www.mercadantefuneral.com/.
