Mario Michael Affinito, 83, passed away Monday, Feb. 10, 2014. Son of the late Maria Affinito and Alphonse Affinito, Mario passed away surrounded by his family at his home in Sacramento, CA after battling a long illness. He was preceded in death by his sister Josephine Vinci, and brother, Alfred Affinito. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Nancy Affinito, brother Dominic Affinito and sister Beatrice Medinas.
Mario was born in Bronx New York on Christmas day in 1930 and later traveled, at the age of 4, with his mother, older brother and sister to join his father in Pittsburg, CA where they opened a corner grocery store.
While in Pittsburgh Mario earned a scholarship in football, that allowed him to attend the University of San Francisco and received a degree in business administration. After a number of years operating the corner grocery store, he and the family moved to Sacramento. There they opened a specialty store called Quality Supermarket, located at 51st and Folsom Blvd. The store grew in popularity as the place to buy specialty European foods and hard-to-find goods. The store was especially popular for marketing large quantities of imported and domestic cheeses and other foods at affordable prices. After selling the market in 1980, Mario pursued the real estate field and had many successes.
After Mario’s love for his wife Nancy, came his love of opera. He and Nancy could be found frequenting the opera in Sacramento and San Francisco. Mario was very proud of his Italian heritage and had the good fortune to travel to Italy numerous times. Additionally he was a great Italian style cook and was often seen in an apron preparing special meals for his family and friends. Many of our fondest memories were of holiday dinners feasting with 50 or more family members. Mario is survived by many nieces and nephews who often availed themselves of his knowledge and expertise in business matters.
Mario will be greatly missed. Viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, 2014 at Our Lady of Assumption Church at 5057 Cottage Way, Carmichael, CA followed by rosary and mass. Private burial held on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014 at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the Sacramento Food Bank.
Arrangements under the direction of Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, Sacramento, CA.
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