Shrewsbury – John Alicandro, of Shrewsbury, died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 with his family by his side. He was 92.
John was born Oct. 1, 1922 in Worcester, a son of Italian immigrants Bernardino and Marianna (Stellato) Alicandro. Raised and educated in Worcester, he was a graduate of North High School, class of 1941, and then honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII.
John helped run the family business, National Coal & Oil, with his two brothers and mother after his father died at an early age of 60. He worked here until his retirement in 1998 and it is where he earned the nickname “Johnny the Coal Man.”
He married Virginia M. O’Brien Oct. 27, 1945, and they have been residents of Shrewsbury for over 65 years, moving last year to the Community at Southgate.
John worked tirelessly to provide for his family, which later in life allowed him to enjoy time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. While growing up during the Great Depression, it taught him to fix anything broken and appreciate the simpler things in life. He had a passion for gardening and true to his Italian heritage he knew his way around the kitchen. Christmas dinners were always a feast and he loved all the preparations involved for the great dinner.
He and his family enjoyed time at their home in East Falmouth on Cape Cod. Other interests included playing cards, golfing, bowling, local and New England sports, and a good cigar.
John was an active member of the Shrewsbury Knights of Columbus, Adelphi Council #4181; the American Legion Ray Stone Post #238; and Saint Mary’s Church.
In addition to his wife of 69 years, Virginia, he leaves his six children, John “Jack” Alicandro and his wife Mary of Millbury, Joanne Wedhoff of California, Bernie and his wife Hannah of Princeton, William B. and his wife Lynette of Shrewsbury, David P. and his wife Juliann of Worcester, and Christopher J. and his wife Sherri of Hopkinton; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his siblings, William and Benny Alicandro, Louise Cravedi, and Dorothy Abelli.
Family and friends will honor and remember John’s life by gathering for calling hours Sunday, Jan. 25, from 2-5 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House ~ On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and again Monday, Jan. 26, at 8:45 a.m., before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
Honor John’s memory with a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The family would also like to thank the entire staff of the UMass Memorial SICU.
