Mario was born in 1947 in Palomonte, Italy, and immigrated to the United States in 1958, where his family established their new roots on Staten Island. In 1967, he met Joanne, the love of his life, who would later become his wife of 51 years. He served in the U.S. Army in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1969. Mario and his younger brother Joe then formed J&M Autobody in 1972, exhibiting their passion and skill for repairing cars to be like new. He ended his career in the auto body business in 1996 and began a new career as an Inspector with the New York State DMV. In 2010, he officially retired from the employment game.
Mario continued to utilize his skillful eye and talents over the next 20-plus years, whether restoring and repairing his and his sons’ classic cars, growing garden vegetables and many fruit trees, or tending to home repairs. But most importantly, he was always there for his family and able to offer sound advice to anyone who asked. He enjoyed watching car auctions, car and home renovation shows in his free time and spending time with the cats. He will be missed dearly by everyone who's life that he touched.
Mario is survived by his wife Joanne, his sons Phil (Nicole) and Nick (Michelle), his brothers Tony (Lucy), Joe (Rosalie), Ralph, his sisters-in-law Ann and Cathy, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Felice, his mother Yolanda, brothers Dominick (Anna), Frank and Gerald.
A visitation for Mario will be held Monday, January 23, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Clare Church, 110 Nelson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10308. A committal service will occur at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10309.
Those who wish to share memories are invited to leave a tribute on this page.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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