Mario D'Orazio

Tuesday July 1st, 2025 at the age of 88 years.

Mario was born to Elena and Panfilo D’Orazio on December 8th, 1936 in the village of Gallo near Tagliacozzo, in the province of L’Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy.

From humble beginnings in the Simbriuni Mountains, Nonno Mario made his own way in the world. He discovered a lifelong passion for cooking in Rome, and began to show his love through food, continuing to cook delicious dishes for his family and friends throughout his life.

Mario met Angelina in Rome in 1960 and together, they immigrated to Canada on March 30th, 1974. They built a life in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Calgary, Alberta with their children, Marina and Mauro.

He fulfilled his dream of opening his own restaurant called Mario’s. Along with Nonna Angelina and the help of Marina and Mauro, they ran a successful restaurant for a decade. After retiring, Nonno spent his time helping to raise his grandchildren and caring for his beautiful garden with Nonna. He loved making his own wine and tomato sauce with his family. He enjoyed playing bocce with friends and spent more hours than you can count playing Briscola late into the night.

He is survived by his siblings, Natale, Giuseppe (Maria), Italia (Renzo), sister-in-law Lina, Antonella, Remo (Claudia), and his many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his loving children Marina and Mauro, son-in-law Antonio Ambrosone, and daughter-in-law Anne. He has seven grandchildren: Elena, Angela, Laura, Francesco, Linnea, Edana, and Nathaniel. Mario will always be remembered by his companion, Eda Mettimano, who brought him comfort, joy and companionship after the loss of his wife.

Mario is reunited in heaven with his wife of 61 years, Angelina, his brother Pietro, brother-in-law Enzo, and sister-in-law Maria.

L’amore è per sempre. May you rest in peace in God’s loving arms.