Mario A. Morales

Mario Anibal Morales. Born Sunday, August 16, 1942. Died Sunday, September 03, 2023. He was 81 years young.

Mario was born on August 16, 1942 in Quito, Ecuador to Maria Lucila and Eduardo Morales. Mario was the only boy of 4 siblings.

Like many immigrants who migrated to the United States, Mario wanted a better life for himself, and his children. Not speaking an ounce of English, television was his main educator, watching the likes of Married with Children, The Price is Right, and of course, the ever so popular, Jerry Springer Show! However, no matter what language you spoke, cars were cars, an oil change was an oil change, a tune up was a tune up, which Mario knew like the back of his hand. Mario began repairing school busses at Robinsons School Bus in Wilmette, IL.

Later in life, with youngest son Eric, when no fluent, English speaking parent wanted to volunteer to coach his youngest son, Eric's little league baseball team, Mario found the time, took the call, and was the role of mentor, and coach when no one wanted to be. Though some teachings and methods were unorthodox, Mario and son, Eric, managed to bring home many championships, both 1st place and 2nd place, and even some All-Star trophies. You see, back in those days there were no participation trophies; you had 1st place, and you had 2nd place, and though Mario always played to have fun.... winning made it more fun; and they won a lot!

Further in life, Mario owned a pool hall in Des Plaines, IL, M&M Billiards. It was not the biggest pool hall around, but there was definitely a homey, family feel to the place where everyone knew everyone, and if you were a first timer, everyone certainly knew. It was almost like a Cheers, "Where everybody knows your name," atmosphere. When it was time to go on vacation, one of Mario's daughters, Lucy, and husband, Adam stepped up to hold down the fort, and ran the family business just like dad did. Adam became popular with the customers, where they granted him the nickname of, "El Güero," when Adam started playing the likes of Chalino Sánchez! Mario was the owner, bartender, server, DJ, local pool shark, etc... and when it was time to move on, he traded all that in for the retired life.

Mario enjoyed his retirement being with those that loved him the most, and he loved the most. If Mario was not watching a soccer game of any league on television, or watching another disappointing Bulls game, or the Cubs attempting to make the playoffs and repeat 2016, or making it to a grand-sons baseball game, a grand-daughters volleyball game, a grand-daughters play, or his son's little league protégé, turn softball players game, Mario always found time to take the ever important day time nap with son, Eric's 18 year old cat, Sonny.

Mario's greatest accomplishment is definitely his children. Those who knew Mario, knew he was certainly not perfect, but then again, who is? Mario is survived by his children, son Mario Jr., son Miguel, daughter Rosemary, daughter Lucy, son Berny, son Eric.

Written by Lucy:

Mario A. Morales. Born Sunday, August 16, 1942. Died Sunday, September 03, 2023. He was 81 years young.

Mario was born in Quito, Ecuador to Lucila and Eduardo Morales. Mario was the only son of 4 children.

Like many immigrants who migrated to the United States, Mario wanted a better life for himself and his family. Learning English as he went along, he was a successful auto mechanic, little league coach and business owner.

Mario enjoyed his retirement being an avid sports fan. Whether it was watching his favorite teams, the Smashbros, the Cubs, Bears, Bulls or Ecuadorian soccer, he mostly loved going to his grandchildren’s sporting and fine arts events. He was definitely a super fan.

Mario is survived by sister Cecilia de Pino, sister Magdalena Morales, sister Lourdes Flores, wife Maria Villegas Morales, son Mario Morales Jr., son Miguel Morales, daughter Rosemary Morales, daughter Lucy Morales Szewc, son Berny Morales, son Eric Morales and 15 grandchildren.