MARIO DIACONO

DIACONO, Mario It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Mario Diacono, who died on October 30, at Mt. Auburn Hospital after a long illness, as a result of a tragic accident on March 2. Mario was a legendary gallery owner and poet, but also an art and literary critic, teacher, writer, translator, magazine owner, publisher, and an artist himself who was universally beloved in the local and international art scene. Mario was born in 1930 in Rome, Italy, where he graduated in literature under the major Italian poet Giuseppe Ungaretti. He subsequently taught Italian literature at the University of California, Berkeley from 1968 to 1970 and at Sarah Lawrence College in New York until 1976 when he returned to Italy. He opened galleries in Bologna and Rome, before returning to the United States in 1985, when he opened the first of a series of galleries in Boston. Mario was hugely influential in creating the Collezione Maramotti, the museum of the Max Mara company in Reggio Emilia. In December 2024, one month before his 95th birthday, Mario opened his most recent gallery, at 14 Beacon Street next to the Boston Athenaeum. He had plans and commitments for two years of exhibitions. With a critical heart and eye he supported many artists throughout their careers - generously sharing his wisdom, passion and kindness. Mario Diacono was an inspiration to all who knew him. His beautiful soul lives on in his groundbreaking work and in the lives he profoundly touched. His wife, Claudette, predeceased him in December 2023. He leaves a vast amount of friends and admirers. A Graveside Funeral will be held at Mt. Auburn Cemetery on Friday, November 7, at 11am. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

View the online memorial for Mario DIACONO