Mario Stefanini

Jan. 4, 1922 - Mar. 18, 2012

Resident of San Jose

Mario lived a full and good life. He was born in San Jose, California to Pilade (Peter) and Esterina (Ester) Pelosi Stefanini, who immigrated to San Jose from Lucca, Italy. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 67 years, Martha. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Gino. Mario attended St. Joseph's Grammar School as a young boy, and later went on to Bellarmine College Preparatory, where he graduated in the class of 1941. In 2008, he was inducted into the Bellarmine Athletic Hall of Fame, where he received recognition as a "solid standout for the Bellarmine Baseball Nine as he was a four-year Varsity starter at first base. He finished his high school career as a .378 career batting average topping out his time with a personal best .427 as a sophomore. He has the distinction of being the first recorded recipient of a white letterman sweater, only worn by four year varsity letter winners."Mario was a great baseball player and was drafted into the professional league, but had to turn it down to work in the family dry-cleaning business. Mario continued his love of baseball by playing in semi-pro leagues throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Mario was an outstanding police officer for the City of San Jose. From 1959 to 1961, he was President of San Jose Police Union Local 170, and also served as a delegate to the Central Labor Council for Local 170 from 1959 to 1974. He retired in the mid 1970's, and then went on to be a court bailiff for the County of Santa Clara, and later a guard for Bank of America in downtown San Jose. Mario had a passion for following the stock market. Whenever asked, he would give advice to his nieces on what they should buy, and why they should buy it. He loved talking about the stock market and would follow all of its ups and downs. He was sharp as a tack and could recall all the stocks he ever owned, what year he bought them, and at what price. Mario lived in San Jose his entire life. He could always be relied upon to tell his nieces and nephews the history of San Jose, and would often recount stories of what it was like to grow up here, noting how much things had changed over the years. Mario was always very kind and generous to his family and friends, asking them how they were doing, even when he was very ill. He will be sorely missed. Services to be held at Lima Family Mortuary at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 26, 2012, 466 North Winchester Blvd., followed by interment at Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice .