Mario Roppo

Mario Roppo was born on October 31, 1931 in Ceglie del Campo, Bari , Italy

Mario and his brother, Vito, followed their father to the United States. When Mario came to the United States, he was only 15 years old. He did not want to attend High School here in the states because he felt his education in Italy was more advanced than what they were teaching here. He applied to attend L.A. City College and, after passing a test, he was admitted. Mario attended 2 years at L.A. City College and then transferred to UCLA where he graduated with his teaching credentials. After graduating from college, Mario served 2 years in the United States Army and was stationed in Austria as a translator. This was right after World War II ended. After Mario was discharged from the Army he returned to Los Angeles and began his teaching career, teaching political science and history. Mario was a very dedicated teacher and was very well liked. He taught in the Los Angeles School District for approximately 40 years until he retired.

Mario’s father, mother and aunt lived with him and, after he retired, he kept busy taking care of his parents and his aunt and Bello the dog until they died. Mario’s final resting place will be next to his parents at Calvary Cemetery in Santa Barbara.

He taught at San Fernando High School and Monroe High School . He taught political science and history and was very interested in and loved Greek Mythology, history, and religion.

In the past 10 years a favorite activity of Mario’s was to take the dogs, Molly and Trudy for a walk with Georgine every day.

Mario died peacefully at home surrounded by his friends, Georgine and Bob Archer and Estela Vasquez.

He is pre-deceased by his father, Michele (Michael) Roppo; mother, Carmela Accettura Roppo; and his aunt, Maria Accettura. Mario is survived by his brother, Vito Roppo, and his sister-in-law, Anna Roppo.