Mario Pellicciotta

Mario was born on August 15, 1937, in Guardialfiera, Campobasso, Italy, where he graduated as an agricultural mechanic. In 1956, he married his beloved Anna (Giannetti). Together, they emigrated to Canada in 1959, beginning a life built on hard work, resilience, and family devotion.

Mario carried his mechanical skills through various industrial jobs, most notably spending 30 years at Federated Genco. He was widely respected for his ability to fix anything. If a tool didn’t exist for the job, Mario would simply make one himself. Known lovingly as the family’s own “MacGyver,” he always found a solution, no matter the challenge.

He worked with his son Lorenzo well into his retirement years and lending his skills and work ethic to many at Auto Pro Oakville and Carstar Oakville.

Beyond his professional life, Mario was a teacher by example. In his garage, he passed on far more than mechanical skills — he taught patience, calmness, and pride in doing things properly. He believed that circumstances don’t change responsibilities, and that lesson guided not only his work, but the lives of his sons. His influence lives on through the hands, work ethic, and values he instilled every day.

Mario also had a deep love of nature, animals, and the land. He was affectionately known as the family’s “animal whisperer,” often bringing home animals that became cherished household pets for his three boys. One of the most memorable was a cockatiel named Piccinini, whom Mario taught to sing “The Bird Dance.” With a wave of his finger like a conductor’s baton, Piccinini would perform on command, delighting family and friends. Perhaps the most unusual of Mario’s pets was a fighter rooster, said by all who knew it to be remarkably intelligent — and famously capable of waking the entire neighborhood.

Equally remarkable was Mario’s talent for gardening. With a deep, intuitive understanding of nature, he had an extraordinary ability to make things grow. His garden was a true work of art and a source of immense pride.

Above all else, Mario was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife Anna (Giannetti) Pellicciotta; his sons Luigi (Anna), Domenic (Patricia), and Lorenzo (Diane); his cherished grandchildren Lauren (John) , Ryan (Miranda), Justin, Jessica (Kevin) , Alessia (Matt), and Olivia; and his beloved great-granddaughter Sofia. He will also be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends.

Mario was predeceased by his father Luigi Pellicciotta, his mother Filomena (Pallazzo), his brother Pietro, and his sister Marianina (Quaranta). He is survived by his sister Vicenzina Rhoades (Lou), sister-in-law Lucia, who were all dear to him.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, December 21st, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario L9A 1T2.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 22nd at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 50 Brucedale Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L9A 1M8.

Mario’s life was defined by ingenuity, generosity, curiosity, and an unwavering love for his family. His stories, laughter, skilled hands, and gentle connection with nature and animals will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to the Dr Bob Kemp Hospice (Kemp Care Network).

“When I pass to my reward

Whatever that may be,

I’d like my friends to think of me

As one who loved a tree.”

Per sempre nei nostri cuori.

“Tirare avanti.”