Mario (“Pops”) was born in the Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego. He was the youngest of seven children born to Lucia and Salvatore DeMaria. Family was everything to him. He leaves behind four children, Luci (Randy), Salvatore (Elizabeth), Maria and John, 11 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
Pops was an amazing listener and the wisdom he shared was priceless. His family and friends never tired of listening to his stories as a deep sea fisherman, a head cook in the Korean War, or about San Diego from the 1930s to present. It was impossible for friends and family to leave his house without sharing in the bounty of his home grown fruits, vegetables and beautiful roses. He was a Master Gardner who had rare knowledge of pruning, lacing and grafting trees, and a true gift from God in growing roses. He left a small earthly footprint, but an enormous impact on everyone who had the good fortune to meet him. He was the salt of the earth and humbly and thankfully lived his life by “whatever God gives us.” He is deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him.
Viewing will be on December 22, 2020 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., Goodbody Mortuary, with a private burial at Holy Cross Cemetery to follow.
