MORELLO, Mario
Passed away peacefully on November 28, 2012 with his family by his side. Mario was born January 1, 1925 in San Francisco, CA. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Verena, children Michael and Victoria, a granddaughter, sisters Sarah Romeo and Rose Del Zompo and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Francesca Morello and brothers Joseph and Dominic.
Mario was a member of the 'Greatest Generation.' He proudly served his country in WW II as a member of the U.S. Army 118th Anti-Aircraft Artillery gun battalion (Mobile), B Battery as a 90 mm gun loader. He sailed to England aboard the Queen Mary and proceeded to Omaha Beach, Normandy, France on June 9, 1944 with the 1st U.S. Army. In addition to Normandy, he also served in Northern France, the Rhineland and was part of the Battle of the Bulge in Verdun, France on December 18, 1944. During his time in the army, many lifelong friendships were forged. Mario thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his army buddies, especially John Addiego and the late Joe Martinez. In 1993 Mario was instrumental in establishing the annual 118th AAA Gun Battalion reunions that still continue today with get-togethers and newsletters.
From 1946 to 1966 Mario spent several weeks each summer working as a commercial salmon fisherman in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Mario was the owner/operator of Mario's Seafoods, a retail seafood market in the South Sacramento area for 22 years, retiring in 1991. During this time, Mario established many long term friendships with customers and business associates, and kept in contact with many.
Mario enjoyed great conversation, a great joke, WW II history, the San Francisco 49'ers, photography, the Friday neighborhood tea times and going out to lunch with his buddy John, for the 'best calamari' at The Cheesecake Factory. He enjoyed many types of music and in the 1940's had a song he wrote published. He learned to play the accordion as a young boy; however the accordion was much too heavy for him to carry. So, Mario made an agreement with his brother Joe - Mario took the music lessons and Joe went with him and carried the accordion. Mario enjoyed being with his friends and family and was especially proud of his granddaughter and all that she has accomplished. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and all that knew him.
The family would like to express their gratitude to nephew Stephen Finney for his thoughtfulness, dedication and companionship to 'Uncle Mario' over the past four years.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 5, 2012, 3:00 to 7:00 pm at Lombard & Company, 1550 Fulton Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825. Rosary and mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 11:00 am at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 4123 Robertson Ave, Sacramento, CA 95821.
Interment immediately following at The Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA. A reception in his honor will be at a later date.
Condolences may also be sent to the family via the online guest book at www.sacbee.com/funeral.
Remembrances may be made in his name to The American Cancer Society or The American Diabetes Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Mario's family.
It has been 11 years, Dad. How is that even possible. I love you, and miss you everyday.
Your daughter
November 29, 2023
It is difficult to believe that a year has gone by.
We love you and miss you, Dad.
Your daughter
December 6, 2013
Mario is in our thoughts and prayers! We send our love to Varena, Mike, Vicky. <3 Love, Christina, Dominique, Pat and Jean
Christina Jacquemet
December 10, 2012
Dear Mrs. Morello, Vickie. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers
Maggie Christophersen
December 10, 2012
Vickie - so sad to read about your father and grandfather. I'm sure he was very proud of his 'girls'. I only met him briefly at Avondale - he was a good family man & you have a lot to be proud of.
Julie Lezie
December 6, 2012
Dear Verena and Family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Cousin Mario was such a good man and gave so much to our country. He would always greet me with a big "hello cuz". He will be greatly missed by all his love ones.
Rose Monterosso-Bisbiglia
December 6, 2012
I HAVE NICE MEMORIES OF DEALING WITH MARIO AT "MARIO'S SEAFOODS" ON STOCKTON BOULEVARD. HE WAS ALWAYS KIND AND POLITE TO ME, AND HAD MY RESPECT AS A HARD WORKING MAN IN A TOUGH BUSINESS.
MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY.
GREG KASSIS
SACRAMENTO
December 6, 2012
Thank you, Mr. Morello, for your service in the war. From the battles mentioned I can tell it was not an easy duty. Your seafood market provided many a happy time to the people of Sacramento. I appreciate your contribution to live life in such an upright manner. Your granddaughter is indeed someone to be proud of. Your discipline has rubbed off on her.
Ada Hand
December 5, 2012
I have such wonderful memories of Mario. Growing up with the Morello's as neighbors. My fondest memories are the ones of my girls with Mario and how they adored him. Mario will be truly missed. Love Angie Faith and Joy
Angie Garcia
December 5, 2012
Dear Verena and family, Sorry to hear about cousin Mario. My thoughts go back to the early North Beach days and the good times with the Morello family. He will be missed but remembered. May he rest in peace.
Mario Monterosso
December 5, 2012
Condolences to Aunt Verena, Vickie, Michael. He was a good man and will be missed.
Sal Romeo
December 5, 2012
I have very fond memories of our family gatherings, and the summers spent in Sacramento. Mario was always one of the best uncles. Always had a joke to tell & a smile on his face. So many memories. My prayers & thoughts and a smile in my heart Uncle Mario. Deep respect to Verena, Vickie, and Michael. Love, Pam Morello Keane
Pam Morello Keane
December 5, 2012
SO SORRYTO HEAR ABOUT MARIO. WE USED TO ORDER CRABS FOR OUR ANNUAL CRAB FEED FROM HIM YEARS AGO. HE WAS A GREAT GUY. OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND HIS FAMILY JO AND GENE BERTOLUCCI
December 5, 2012
good bye uncle mario. you will allways be in my heart. john morello
john morello
December 5, 2012
A grateful nation mourns its loss. Rest in peace, Sir.
Ian Carah
December 5, 2012
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