Mario Adolfo Cornejo

With hearts full of love and sadness, we announce that Mario Adolfo Cornejo, a man who laughed easily and loved deeply, has journeyed on to eternal rest on January 6, 2024, at the age of 88. His adventurous spirit and warm smile will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on April 25, 1935, in Santa Ana, El Salvador, Mario was the second eldest of four. At just 13, he embarked on a life of resilience and responsibility, leaving home to help his family. By 16, he started his own family, eventually becoming the proud father of four children. In 1973, his life took another turn with the birth of his fifth child, bringing even more joy into his heart.

Driven by a tireless work ethic and a yearning for a better life, Mario traveled throughout Central America before arriving in the United States in 1963. Whether close or far, his family was always in his heart and mind. Despite the challenges of starting anew, his passion for cooking shone brightly. He quickly rose from dishwasher to cook at the Beverly Hills Hilton, while also delighting friends and family with his delicious catering for special events.

With unwavering determination, Mario gradually brought his loved ones to the U.S. No matter the challenges, rejections, or adversities life brought him, he faced them on and always looked towards the brighter side.

A true music lover, Mario embraced all genres, from traditional trios and mariachis to classic pop and beyond. He loved live music, collecting albums and creating mixtapes. Being the hopeless romantic that he was, his heart always danced to the mournful melodies of bolero trios, each note a bittersweet reminder of love and loss.

Mario lived life to the fullest, savoring every experience, good or bad. He enjoyed making new friendships and making people laugh. Even in his final days, his gentle spirit shone through, he would find a way to smile, laugh and be silly with caregivers and others around him. As he often said, “Yo si me di gusto en esta vida, la goce, si que la goce mucho!” (I truly enjoyed this life, I savored it, oh how I savored it!) His motto, "La vida es linda!” (Life is beautiful!), will forever resonate in our hearts.

He is survived by his children, Jorge A. Cornejo, Delmy Quinteros, Maritza Castro, Becky Quinteros, and their families, his sister Julia Quijano, his brother Jorge Cornejo, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Mario's life will be held on January 25, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Gates, Kinsley & Gates Smith, Salsbury Funeral Directors, 4220 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230