Mario was born in Calatafimi, Sicily on May 30, 1948, son of the late Vito Culmone and Maria Rosaria Avila Culmone. He came to the United States in 1955, settling in New York and retiring to North Carolina in 2018. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. A longtime member and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus while living in New York, he was also a member of Calabash Elks after moving to North Carolina. Mario, affectionately known as PePa and Papa, was a family man that enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren who brought him much happiness. His face would beam with pride at just the mention of their names. He loved working around his home, fixing this and that, and carrying on his father’s tradition of gardening. He was an avid stamp collector, as well as a wonderful Italian cook. Mario also enjoyed being with his friends - bowling, playing darts, and enjoying a good glass of scotch. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Crocetta “Connie” Cartafalsa and Antonina LoVerde.
Survivors include his wife, Pamela Faria of Carolina Shores; daughter Danielle Simon, her husband Fritz, and children Aya and Arthur of New York; stepdaughter, Jamie Stoltzfus and her family of Indiana; brother, Joseph Culmone and wife Linda of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service and celebration of Mario’s life will be held from 1:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, July 11th at the Knights of Columbus Club 6911, Our Lady of the Island, 2 Eastgate Road, Massapequa Park, NY 11762.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mario’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at http://giftfunds.stjude.org/MarioCulmone_StJude
Memorial condolences may be made at www.shallottefunerals.com
White Funeral and Cremation Service, 3660 Express Drive, Shallotte, North Carolina.
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