Mario Bruno Pitton

Mario Bruno Pitton was born to Italian immigrants, Pietro and Maria Brussa Pitton, in Lincoln Park, MI. He had two sisters, Anita and Eleanor, and lived in Michigan, and San Jose, CA, as a child. When he was 13, he moved back to Detroit, MI, to live with his uncle, Tony Brussa, and attended Henry Ford Trade School until graduation. In 1943, he joined the United States Navy and served in the Air Corps. When World War II ended, he returned to San Francisco, CA.

In 1948, Mario met his beloved wife of 67 years, Josephine Policarpo, at the Rainbow Ballroom in Fresno. They married in 1949, and started their family in San Francisco. In 1954, the young family moved to Fresno, CA where Mario established Pitton Terrazzo, Inc. and worked on many projects, including the beautiful terrazzo floors in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, St. Paul Catholic Newman Center and the original floor at Fashion Fair Mall. They have lived in Fresno until this day, except for a period in the 1970's when they lived in Tempe, AZ. Later in his career, Mario was in the tennis court construction business until he retired. After retirement, he enjoyed working as a marshall at River Bend Golf Course, going to the gym every day, and dancing to the music of the 1940's with Josephine.

Mario was preceded in death by his sisters, Anita Alessandri, and Eleanor Pitton.

Mario often said his wife and family were the great joys of his life. He will be missed, and always loved by those who survive him, his wife Josephine; children, Phyllis Martino and her husband David, James Pitton and his wife Helen, David Pitton and his wife Jeanne, Terri Dickey and her husband Jeff, and Mari Barrett and her husband Andy. He also leaves nine grandchilden, and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Sunday, July 24, 2016, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 4:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N. Maroa Ave., Fresno, CA on Monday, July 25, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at St. Peter's Cemetery, 264 N. Blythe Ave., Fresno, CA.

Donations may be made to VA Voluntary Service, 2615 E. Clinton Ave., M/S 135, Fresno, CA 93703.