It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mario, husband, father, nonno, brother, uncle, and friend.
Predeceased by his son Gianni; brothers Primo and Secondo; sister Italia; brothers-in-law Franco and Benito; sisters-in-law Tina and Anna; great-niece Natalie. Mario is lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Carla, son Paolo, daughter Anna (Steven), son Gino (Lori), grandchildren Nicholas, Sophia, and Isabella as well as brothers-in-law Carlo and Luigino, sisters-in-law Luigina, Mirella, and Cristina, and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews as well as many relatives and friends in Canada and in Italy.
We will always remember Mario as a kind, generous and loving person who had a deep love for his family. He especially enjoyed being part of his grandchildren's lives--he was so very proud of them.
Mario loved music. He was a soloist in the church choir as a child, and later, a musician in the church band, for which he played several instruments. In his later years, he and his wife would enjoy listening to music together in their kitchen, especially opera, for which they had a great fondness.
He had a great passion for sports. He was very supportive of his children’s involvement in sports, be it lacrosse, hockey, soccer, football, basketball. In his younger years, he was an avid great distance cyclist, winning important road races, including the Tour de White Rock (twice) and the Portland Rose Festival Race. He was also the North American Cycling Track Champion in both tandem and individual races from 1958 to 1961.
Mario was a master craftsman and expert carpenter. He and his brother Secondo had a construction company, and over many decades, they built many houses and low-rise apartment buildings across the lower mainland. When he retired, he enjoyed woodworking and spent numerous hours in his workshop creating pieces and repairing furniture.
Mario loved participating in traditional Italian pastimes, such as playing cards and bocce at the Italian Cultural Centre, and he was one of the many elders of the Italian community who helped build the Italian Cultural Centre. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and instilled a love of all things Italian in his children. After retirement, he often traveled back to Italy with his wife, visiting old friends and especially his brother Primo and his sister, Italia. One particularly memorable visit was when he and Carla and Secondo along with several of their children went to Treviso to celebrate their brother Primo being honoured as monsignor.
He will be truly missed by all who knew him, and his memory will be lovingly cherished by his family.
Prayers for Mario will be held on Monday, December 12 at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church 315 Walker Street Coquitlam BC V3K 4C7 at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 13th at Our Lady of Fatima at 11:00 am. Father Claude, Celebrant. Entombment to follow at Gardens of Gethsemani, 15694 32nd Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3Z 9V1.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to Covenant House Vancouver or a charity of your choice.
Mario, you will always be in our hearts.