MARIO NINO DIBONA

DiBONA, Mario Nino Age 83, of Rochester, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, on October 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Newton on December 28, 1941, Mario was known for his optimism, humor, and deep devotion to family. The second of five sons of Bruno and Anna DiBona, originally from San Donato, Italy, Mario grew up in Newton alongside his four brothers and a large extended family. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was selected for an elite cryptographic machine repair program, graduating among the final nine of an initial class of 38. He earned the highest security clearance and oversaw cryptographic operations across Western Europe during the early Cold War, rising to the rank of sergeant before age 20. After his military service, Mario earned a BS in Marketing from Boston University. Post graduation, he worked in sales in New York City. Upon returning to Massachusetts, he was employed by Franchi Construction Company before founding his own development company in 1974. Mario built single-family homes throughout Massachusetts for over five decades. His work was distinguished by creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Outside of work, Mario found joy in cooking, storytelling, and gathering with loved ones. His warmth and charisma left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Sharon DiBona; his children and stepchildren: Darlene DiBona Chesko (Chad Chesko), Donna DiBona (Rob Hannah), Deanna DiBona Maxwell (Bill Maxwell), Michael Spanner, Elizabeth Spanner Henshaw (Ben Henshaw), and Amy Spanner; and his grandchildren: Mackenzie Spanner, Lucas Spanner, Liam Maxwell, Aidan Maxwell, and Clark Chesko. He is also survived by his brothers: Robert DiBona and Bruno DiBona; predeceased by brothers, Dr. Lawrence DiBona and Danny DiBona. Viewing Hours will be held on Tuesday, November 11, from 4–8p.m., at Andrew J. Magni & Son F.H., in NEWTON. His Funeral Mass will be held the following day on November 12, at 10:30 a.m., at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, in Newton. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m., at Mass National Cemetery, in Bourne. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton.

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