Anthony John “Chickie” Nocera, 90, a longtime Tewksbury resident, passed away peacefully with his family by his side one Thursday, February 13 at Bear Mountain at Andover. He was the widower of the late Evelyn (Robinson) Nocera who passed away in 2023 after 57 years of marriage.
Chickie was born on January 4, 1935, in Boston. He was a son of the late John Nocera and the late Rita (Colorusso) Nocera and was raised and educated in the Watertown area and graduated from St. Patrick High School in Watertown. Following his graduation he enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country for a number of years before receiving his honorable discharge.
He was a longtime communicant of St. William of York Church in Tewksbury. For his entire life, he was a devout Catholic and his faith guided him in all things. He was a man of unwavering integrity and honesty. Loved and respected by all who knew him he was also laid back and almost always had a smile on his face.
Chickie loved gardening and was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan. When he wasn’t in the garden or watching sports, he could often be found on his lawnmower with his grandchildren, riding along and singing Italian songs.
He is survived by his children, Rita Nocera and her partner John Powell, of Wareham, Laurie Neilson and her husband Erik of Plymouth, John Nocera of Phoenix, Arizona, Deborah Carpenter of Dracut and Jean MacLaren and her husband, Ricky MacLaren of New Hampshire, his grandchildren, Steven Warren, Jr, Ross MacLaren, Anthony Stecchi, Nicole Nocera and her partner, Jamison Whary, Dominic Nocera, Frank Nocera, Michael Nocera, Alyssa Interrante, Stephanie McCabe, Kimberly McCabe, Rebecca Callaway and her husband, Richard, Gabrielle Neilson, Madeline Neilson, and his great grandchildren, Amelia Callaway, Hazel Callaway and Dominic Nocera, Jr. and several nieces and nephews and his sister Mary O'Neill of Billerica,
He was predeceased by his parents, his 2 sons, the late George "Buddy" Nocera and the late Robert S. “Bobby” Nocera, his brother, Stephen Nocera,his granddaughter, the late Kelly Anne McCabe and his brothers in law, Joseph “Buddy” Robinson and Norman Robinson.
On Wednesday, February 19, all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, 978-851-2061. His funeral mass will be offered at 11:30 a.m. at St. William's Church in Tewksbury, followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. Please find us on Facebook or use our website to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.