Mario Muscardin

May 5, 1924 – December 10, 2022

Hello. My name is Mario Muscardin.

I want to tell you about my life.

I was born May 5, 1924 in Ustrine Croatia (formerly Italy) to Domenico and Domenica Muscardin. I had two sisters Valeria (deceased) and Maria. I was raised in a small farming town in much simpler times, where you received an orange and fruitila for Christmas and you picked wild asparagus for your teacher the first day of school. It was a farming town, we lived in a small house overlooking the Adriatic, with a beautiful view, I carried with me throughout my life.

But politic unrest and World Was II began and at the young age of 10 I had to leave my home and family and join the Merchant Marines. I always loved the sea and the Merchant Marines brought me through many ports throughout the world. But I always missed home and tried to get home as often as I could even though at times it was dangerous.

I was one of the lucky ones, throughout the war I saw many people die. I always felt some guilt, why was I saved and others were not.

In 1948, I came to America due to political reasons at home. I came through Philadelphia and settled in Astoria. I had many childhood friends who settled there. It gave us a sense of community and family. We had many good times going out singing and dancing. I forgot to mention I always loved a good party where I could sing and dance.

On many weekends we would attend Croatian Church dances on 47th street in NYC. We always had such good times. Then one evening, I met and fell in love with my future wife, Anna. We married 2 years later.

Once we were married, we lived in Astoria and then Long Island to be closer to my work. In 1958, we bought our house in Plainview. We were both so scared - could we afford it and maintain it. But here we are all these years later.

Anna and I were blessed with three daughters Joann, Diane and Marianne. Each accomplished in their own way: Librarian, Accountant and great Mom/Wife/Legal Professional. They are all so loving, kind and funny. I love them fiercely.

There were many good times, barbeques, backyard pool parties, days at the beach - Sunken Meadow and Robert Moses. The Christmases, where we would have 25 people staying in our small house. People were sleeping everywhere - beds, sofas floors… It was such great times: cooking, laughing and singing.

These times were wonderful times.

My daughter Marianne married Ken, a good husband and father. They gave me 2 beautiful grandsons, Ryan and Brandon. I am so proud of my grandsons and the men they have become. Both are devoted to the medical field and are just so smart, hardworking and caring.

Through the years we did suffer heartache. Joann my eldest passed at 57 - no parent should ever feel that pain and illnesses.

I tried to do my best to persevere and be strong, but at times it was difficult.

Now it is time to go home.

So please talk to me anytime you want or maybe we can sing a song together. Let me know if you need advice, a shoulder to cry on or just have a funny story. I will always be listening and watching over all of you.

Wishing you have a long, happy and healthy life. Until we meet again.

Love - Mario

Services -

Private Mass and Internment

January 14, 2023 - 10:30 am

St Pius Church – Plainview, NY

St Margaret Cemetery – Plainview, NY

Memorial Service to follow later this year