Mario R. Stracqualursi

Mario had a zest for life and enjoyed each day. At 94, he was active and independent until his passing on October 19, 2015. Throughout his life, he enjoyed traveling to places including the Bahamas, Italy and Spain and spent many winters in Florida. One of his favorite pastimes was walking especially along the beach and enjoying the outdoors.

Mario was a loyal friend to all who knew him. In the last several years of his life, he spent much of his time visiting with peers especially those who had become ill. He had a passion for reaching out to others and was an advocate for social justice all of his life. Much of this evolved from his own life experience as an Italian immigrant who came to the United States in the 1920’s at the age of 8. He was so grateful for the opportunity to start a new life here that he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served the US overseas in Europe for 3 and ½ years during WWII. He had a passion for learning and completed a bachelor’s degree in business from Boston University through the GI Bill. Also, he completed the majority of the requirements for an MBA while working two full-time jobs to support his wife, Jennie, and his family. He was employed by the US Postal Services where he met his lifelong friend, John Hannon. For more than 30 years, he was employed by the Commonwealth of MA in various management roles including budget analyst for the Department of Education. Subsequently, he earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education from Boston State College. He taught Math to middle schoolers and to students at Massasoit Community College. He was a teacher and a guidance counselor for the Massachusetts state prison system.

Mario’s focus on education and learning was so important to him and to his wife Jennie as they raised their children. He and his family would often have field trips to the Children’s and Science Museum as well as the Museum of Fine Arts. He was most proud of his children all of whom earned advanced degrees.

Mario enjoyed having fun through activities including bowling, swimming, painting, exercising, bike riding, gardening and reading. One of his greatest passions was playing bridge and up until his death, he would play competitive duplicate bridge as often as 4-5 times per week.

After his beloved wife Jennie died in 1998, he was fortunate to have the companionship of Mary Negrini.

Mario enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was always very supportive and proud of their accomplishments. He was the hub, the patriarch, and the bright light of our family and he will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Mario will be remembered for his optimism, humor, loyalty, and passion for life.