J. Mario Carvajal

In the peaceful solitude of Jardín, Colombia — among the whispering streams, the songs of the birds, and the pure country air — Jorge Mario Carvajal was born on a beautiful, sunny day, July 10, 1935, to Ramón Angel Carvajal and Eva Tulia Flórez.

The oldest of eight children — Guillermo, Amparo, Humberto, Darío, Nevardo, Jaime, and Álvaro — Mario was a farm boy at heart from the very beginning. Known by age three for his remarkable cattle-wrangling abilities, he worked alongside his father tending the family farm. He was a loving, kindhearted, and remarkably patient child who also lent a hand in the kitchen, making cheese from the cows he had milked earlier that morning.

When school began — requiring a long barefoot walk each day — Mario quickly became captivated by learning, especially mathematics.

At age twelve, missionary Christian Brothers approached Ramón with an invitation for Mario to join their religious order. Eager to explore, learn, and teach, Mario accepted, leaving home for a path that would forever change the course of his life. Though heartbreaking for his family, it became a defining moment for Mario.

As a Christian Brother, he was assigned to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he taught Spanish at a local high school while living and studying at La Salle College. He earned degrees in mathematics and accounting before ultimately leaving the order to pursue a career in banking. With the help of a cousin, he settled in Union City, New Jersey — the place he would call home for nearly five decades.

During a trip back to Colombia, Mario met Amanda, the love of his life. One year later, they were married. Together they built a beautiful life and raised their two children, Carlos and Kathy, in Union City.

Mario rose quickly at Hudson United Bank, retiring as a Vice President and Branch Manager after 31 years of service. His commitment to community extended beyond his professional life; he served as President, Treasurer, and active member of several civic organizations, including Kiwanis International and the American Red Cross. He also became a partner in an accounting firm, Ideal Associates, which helped support Amanda in staying home to raise the children and providing them with private educations.

Nothing brought Mario greater joy than his beloved wife, his children, his siblings and their families, and his cherished grandchildren — Nicolas, Luca, Steven, and Audrey — who warmed his heart in the most profound way.

Mario is predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Amanda. He leaves behind his children, Carlos and Kathy; his son-in-law, Steven; and his grandchildren, Nicolas, Luca, Steven, and Audrey.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, November 20, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Leber Funeral Home/Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 21, at 10:30 AM at St. Rocco’s Church, 4206 Kennedy Blvd., Union City, NJ 07087.

Parking is available behind the church; entrance on 43rd Street.

Repass to be held at Coach House Steakhouse and Diner , North Bergen.