- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Mario Malatesta
With his gruff exterior, Mario tried to hide his heart of gold, but it still shined through. rnrnHe kept silent watch on the grandkids, none of their accomplishments passed by without his knowing. When his daughter was competing for the world roller-skating championship, he’d think nothing of getting up at 2 a.m. to drive her to New York. Given, having competed in roller-skating himself, he had the background to appreciate the importance of it. It also gave him the technical knowledge to be an unofficial judge for “Dancing with the Stars.” rnrnHis work ethic knew no bounds. To provide the best, he usually held down three jobs at once, and continued working until he was 89. rnrnIt was in his nature to demand respect and discipline. No surprise then that he rose to the rank of master sergeant while serving the U.S. Army during World War II. He saw action on the beaches of Normandy. rnrnMario is survived by his wife, Edith (Carver) of Delran; his children: Lauri Ferentinos (John) of Atlanta, Ga., Bunny Zimmerman (Bill) of Riverside, Roseanne Lawson of Florida, Alan (Kathy) of Connecticut, Beverly Schoeber of Willingboro, and Donna Bonell of Florida; his grandchildren: Cindi, Larry, Jonathan, Jacob, Elizabeth, Sarah and Lindsay; and great-grandchildren: Gabrielle, Bailey, Madison, Chase and Zachary. rnrnCome celebrate Mario’s 90 gruff, yet kindhearted years on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside, where the service will be Monday at 7 p.m. Interment will be in Beverly National Cemetery. rn
4 Comments
I became friends with Mario almost ten years ago when he was safety director @ NorthStar. We became very good friends, we spoke every day about alot of things, ate lunch together often. I rarely saw the “gruff” Mario, I saw a great guy who was no nonsense and no B.S., the gruffness came out when the nonsense came out. I loved talking to Mario about oldtime Philadelphia, old time baseball, the military,trucking companies which are no longer in business and our families. Great Man. Rest in Peace, Buddy.
I remember him telling me that he was in France, WW2. To this day, anything I see or hear about that war, I relate to him. He was a warrior and a survivor. He was a good soldier. I salute you Mario. Well done. Love, Donna
Sympathies from me as for sure La Famiglia must appreciate a “life well lived”…..Mario was incredible. I was fortunate to meet him through trucking and he handled the owner operator business for us. I must have met him after he mellowed as I never saw a gruff exterior. He was one of the warmest most genuine human beings I ever met.
Mario you know that I love you my friend… and that is forever. I truly miss your genuine smile each day as you would greet me each morning entering the office. I was truly blessed to have known such a beautiful soul. I pray for you and your family and can only hope that you are spending time with my son Shaun in heaven.. Your guidance and spirit would surely be a comfort until we can all meet again…