Mario Lombardo

Mario Lombardo entered into eternal rest on July 19, 2024, at the age of 76. He was born in Torre del Greco, Naples, Italy, on February 19, 1948, the fourth child of Ciro Lombardo and Carmela Prato Lombardo.

From early in his childhood until the day of his passing, Mario was a kind and gentle soul, a source of joy to all who knew him. He was well known for his unique humor, charisma, generosity, and for his love of soccer (Forza Italia!). But above all, Mario's love for his family was unparalleled. His family was the center of his world. He took great pride in each of them.

The Italian, as many people lovingly knew him, worked in cruise ships as an entertainer and as a server, as maitre d’ in top-rated restaurants in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, and later on, as a jeweler. He was well-loved by the community in Old San Juan, where he spent the majority of his adult life. His family adored him and appreciated his hilarious commentary on life. Mario was fluent in many languages, loved math and history, and was an avid domino player. He loved to watch sports.

Mario is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ivonne Diaz-Lombardo, his daughters Carmela Lombardo Merced and Tiziana Lombardo Ortiz, his son Mario A. Lombardo, his beloved grandchildren, Dr. Sarah J. Merced-Auld (Hunter), Gabriella C. Merced, Jorge A. Ortiz, Pablo A. Ortiz, Isabella S. Ortiz, and Hannah E. Lombardo, as well as his sons-in-law Carlos T. Merced and Dr. Jorge L. Ortiz and daughter-in-law, Eloisa Lombardo, his brothers Michele Lombardo and Nunzio Lombardo, and his sister Tinuccia Lombardo, and many other nieces and nephews in Italy, Puerto Rico, and the United States. He held a special place in all their hearts, and they will miss him deeply.

A visitation for Mario will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM, at Martin Funeral Home East, 1460 George Dieter Dr, El Paso, TX 79936. Following the visitation, a graveside service will be from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Mt Carmel Cemetery, 401 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79907.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to NAMI El Paso https://funraise.org/give/NAMI-El-Paso/53d8736f-ba32-444e-acf8-3ae02d435fc4/