Shrewsbury – Lena E. (DiBlasi) Polito, 100, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Friday, Sept. 28, 2012 with her family gathered beside her. Lena's husband Joseph A. Polito Sr., with whom she shared 69 years of marriage, passed away in 2005.
She is survived by her two sons she cherished, Francis Polito, his wife Judy, and their children, Kenneth and Karyn Polito, and Joseph A. Polito Jr. and his children, Joseph A. Polito III, Greg Polito and Maria Stewart; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Dr. Anthony J. Polito and his wife Florence of Worcester; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. A brother, Salvatore “Sam” Polito, and five sisters, Rose Pusateri, Josephine DeLalla, Pauline DeToma, Mary Spokis and Caroline D”Errico all predeceased her.
Lena was born in Termini, Immerese, Sicily, Italy, a daughter of Antonino and Antonina (Catanzaro) DiBlasi. She came to Worcester as a little girl, graduated from Worcester Girls Trade, and had lived in Shrewsbury more than 55 years.
She co-founded with her husband Joseph A Polito & Sons Co. Inc., which was incorporated in 1949. Her husband Joseph served as President and she as Secretary for many years.
Lena's life centered around her family and friends. She adored her husband, her children, her grandchildren, family and friends. She very much enjoyed caring for and celebrating her family's growth, marriage and the births of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to entertain in business, with her family and extended circle of friends.
Lena was gifted in her knack for cooking; she enhanced her culinary skills from her classes at Girls Trade School in Worcester and from her mother's experience. She also, authored a cook book named “Grammy's Favorite Recipes.” She took great pride in her flower garden and the appearance of her yard as a whole.
She was a former member of Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church's. A former member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and several business memberships with her husband including the Home Builders Association and ITAM Club. Lena was filled with a lot of spunk. She loved to sing and dance to the polka. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her gentle touch and her gift of love.
A family gathering and celebration of life Mass will be held privately. Entombment next to her husband Joseph will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum.
Memorial remembrances in her name may be made to St, Anne Human Services or Free Medical Clinic, 130 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL of Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
