Mario Passaro

A native son of Bagnoli Irpino, Italy, he was born to the former Teodosia DeCapua and Domenico Passaro. At the age of 14, the ocean liner Conte di Savoia carried the family to their new home in Farrell, Pa. and he quickly became one of the USA's most loyal patriots. He served his new homeland during WWII in the 303rd Infantry. After returning from his tour of duty, he met the love of his life, Rachel Marasco, with whom he shared over 62 years of marriage. During his lifetime he was employed by the former Shenango Inn as manager of their cocktail lounge, also by American Distillers in sales and lastly by Sharpsville Fabricators where he worked as a pipe fitter until their closing in 1986.

One of his biggest accomplishments was his lifelong dream, Mario's Pizza, which he opened with the assistance of his wife Rachel and sister-in-law, Bernadine Parenti. Although brief in it's operation, the entire family was involved in many fun hours of quality time together.

A favorite pastime was playing Bocce at the New Deal Club in Farrell, Pa. where he was also at one time their controller.

Always an avid Steeler and Notre Dame football fan, a little known fact was that he himself played for a semipro football team. One of his favorite things to do was to watch sports with son-in-law Ken, whose love of the Browns never failed to create many fun hours of good- natured rivalry.

Fond family memories include all of his children picking mushrooms with him in Hogsback Hollow, trips to Cedar Point, or the Jersey shore, late Friday night steak sandwiches he would bring to his kids after a night at work.

Daughter Colleen will miss the days of jogging with him in Buhl Park, and daughter Lisa's kitchen will never be the same without Frank Sinatra playing and Dad making the salad every night for dinner.

A quiet, gentle soul, if Mario were to be remembered for only one thing, it would be the fierce and never-ending love he held for his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rachel; daughters Colleen Passaro and Lisa Capezzuto and her husband Ken, son Mario Passaro, a grandson, Dante Capezzuto, a great- grandson, the light of his life, Demetrius, and a brother, Michael Passaro ( Calif.) and his wife Kay.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Alfonso, his beloved son, Rick, and an infant daughter, Collette.

In honor of his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Life Celebration will be arranged by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Brain Tumor Assoc. @ www.abta.org or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society @ www.lls.org .