Mario Carl Sanfilippo

Mario was one of four children: John, Mario, Peter, and Rosie. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Kathy Burzotta Sanfilippo, who he called his “babe”. They were married for 57 years. Mario and Kathy had two children, Julie (Dan) Stroud and Anthony (Laraine) Sanfilippo.

Mario was a tuna fisherman for the majority of his life as a navigator and eventually, a captain. Watching him parallel park a 1200 ton tuna boat was something that Julie will never forget. Mario and Kathy also owned a restaurant, Chocolate Rain. Mario worked tirelessly there, never taking a day off. Anthony will never forget spending many years working with his dad “feeding the animals”.

Mario leaves behind his beloved wife, Kathy, children, Julie (Dan) Stroud and Anthony (Laraine) Sanfilippo and his adored grandchildren, Alexia Stroud, Luca Sanfilippo and Charlotte Sanfilippo and his step-grandsons, Brett, and Erik Stroud. He also leaves behind his brother Peter (Rosemarie) Sanfilippo, brother-in-law Pete Burzotta, sister-in-laws Fina Burzotta and Vita (Nino) Candela, as well as many nieces, nephews, and their children.

Mario cared for his family more than anything and left a mark on the lives of everyone he knew. He was truly one of the “greats” and will be missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service for Mario will be held Monday, July 25, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Dr., San Diego, CA 92102, followed by a graveside service directly after.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.merkleymitchell.com for the Sanfilippo family.