John D. Mercurio

WEST BOYLSTON – John D. Mercurio, 49, or 29 Raymond Huntington Highway, a professional opera singer, died Monday, September 11, in St. Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center, Worcester, after an illness.

He leaves his wife, Paula D. (Rabidou) Mercurio; two daughters, Laura M. and Francesca M. Mercurio, both of West Boylston; his parents, Daniel N. and Norina C. (Carima) Mercurio both of West Boylston; a brother, David P. Mercurio of West Boylston; nephews and nieces. He was born in Clinton, and lived most of his life in West Boylston. He graduated from West Boylston High School and from Atlantic Union College in Lancaster, and received a master’s degree from Boston University. He also did post-graduate operatic studies at Boston University, under Adelaide Bishop.

Mr. Mercurio, a tenor, was a professional operatic singer who performed leading roles throughout the Northeast and Italy. Roles he specialized in included, Radames in “Aida,” Cavardossi in “Tosca,” Canio in I Pagliacci,” and Luigi in “Il Tabaro.” He worked with noted stage director and drama coach Jane Bookspan, and coached exclusively with maestro Gildo Di Nunzio of the Metropolitan Opera. Mr. Mercurio recently recorded a Christmas album, “Minuit Chretiens,” with Richard Westenburg and the Choir of the 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church of New York City.

He was a member of the College Church of the Seventh Day Adventist in South Lancaster.

The funeral was held in the College Church of the Seventh Day Adventist, 337 Main Street, South Lancaster. Burial was in Mount Vernon Cemetery. Calling hours were held in the Miles ~ Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of America, Massachusetts Chapter, 495 Old Connecticut Path, Framingham, MA 01701.

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