Mario “Mike” Michael Gaia passed away at the age of 85 on May 16, 2022 in his home in Olivette, Missouri. Mario was born on March 13, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri to Charles Joseph and Olga Maria Buscaglia Gaia.
Mario grew up on The Hill, going to school at St. Ambrose, spending time playing soccer with his brothers and friends, and walking to Missouri Bakery to enjoy some of his favorite treats.
After high school, Mario enlisted in the Army where he was stationed in Europe. His service time allowed him to travel to many places like Switzerland, Germany, where he coached soccer for the Army, and Italy, where he was able to visit relatives and make many lasting memories.
He carried his love of soccer into adulthood, playing locally, coaching his children’s teams, and watching or attending games. He also grew to love golf, often playing golf in the morning, watching golf in the afternoon, and playing a computer golf game in the evening. He loved playing in tournaments, and especially enjoyed playing with his sons.
Mario had many hobbies. He loved to woodwork and built many items, which live on today in his family home and with his children and grandchildren. He also loved art, developing many sketches and beautiful paintings that hang in his children’s homes today.
After attending Washington University in St. Louis, Mario began working in the banking industry, which is where he met his wife of nearly 40 years, Vickie. Mario truly enjoyed his work, working until his late 70s.
Mario was very social and loved dancing and parties. He loved his family dearly and will be missed by many.
Mario is survived by his wife, Vickie; six children, Maria (Michael) Burr, Charles Gaia, Anthony (Madison Hagemann) Gaia, Gina (Brian Cook) Gaia, Robert (Kim) Gaia, Patricia (Dan) Payne; stepson, Steven (Amy) Tarquine; seven grandchildren, Julia Burr, Matthew Burr, William Burr, Kelsey Gaia, Kourtney Gaia, Chelsea (Vince) Sartore, Haille (Tyler) Madonia; two step-grandchildren, Joseph Tarquine, Lucas Tarquine; several nieces and nephews.
Mario is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank L. Gaia and Aldino J. Gaia; sister, Diana L. Ruggeri; aunt, Irma “Zia” Buscaglia; as well as many other close family and friends.
Services will be held Monday, May 23, 2022, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Visitation at 9:30am. Funeral mass at 10:30am. The burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, where Military Honors will be rendered at the conclusion of his service.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kriegshausermortuary.com for the GAIA family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:
https://www.hillstl.org/product/the-hill-neighborhood-association-donation/
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18