Mario Francis Farinha

Mario Francis Farinha, a lifelong Placer County resident, passed away on October 13, 2026, at the age of 92 in Newcastle, California.

Mario was a first-generation Portuguese American, born on February 23, 1934, in Lincoln, California, to Portuguese immigrant parents, Frank Francis Farinha and Mary Pombo Farinha.

Mario grew up in Lincoln, where he attended Lincoln High School and graduated before continuing his education at Placer College (now Sierra College) before transferring to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Management, setting the stage for a career spanning more than 30 years in county health inspection.

In 1955, while working his way through college, Mario met Aileen. The two married in 1956 and went on to raise two children, Jackie and Steve.

After receiving his degree from Cal Poly in 1957, he joined the Army as a medical specialist, eventually rising to the rank of sergeant. Following his honorable discharge in 1961, he began his career at Lone Star Dairy distributing dairy products for his brother Ernie’s milk delivery company working as the General Manager. He later owned a gas station before his beginning his career with the Sacramento County Health Department as a food inspector. He later joined the Placer County Health Department, serving in the same role. In 1974, he moved on to the Nevada County Health Department, where he worked as a hazardous materials specialist. His keen sense of smell enabled him to detect hazardous materials and drug labs with an unmatched level of accuracy.

Outside of his career, Mario enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies and interests. He was involved with 4-H for more than 70 years, enjoyed playing cards, and loved traveling with friends and family. He and Aileen shared many memorable cruises together and enjoyed square dancing with the Rainbow Stars. Mario especially treasured watching and cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, horse shows, and cheerleading competitions. Above all, he loved rooting for his beloved Sacramento Kings, where he and Aileen were season ticket holders for 26 seasons.

Mario is survived by his beloved wife, Aileen Farinha; his children, Jackie Farinha DeMartini and her husband, Rex DeMartini, and Steve Farinha and his wife, Barbara Farinha; his grandchildren, Ryan DeMartini, Nick Farinha, Holly Farinha Morrison, and Chandler Farinha; his great-grandson, Jameson DeMartini; his brother, Ernie; and his sisters, Theresa and Lorraine.

A rosary will be held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, at St. Joseph’s Church in Auburn. The funeral will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 2, at St. Joseph’s Church, followed by a burial service at the New Auburn Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Newcastle Portuguese Hall.

Mario Francis Farinha will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him