Christopher Mario

Christopher Mario

1962-2025

Christopher B. Mario, 62, of Key West, Florida, passed away on September 8, 2025, after a lengthy battle with cancer and cirrhosis.

Born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, to Ernest and Mildred Mario, Chris was a National Merit Scholar and a graduate of Bridgewater-Raritan East High School. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1985, where he served as drum major of the Penn Band during his senior year, a role that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He went on to receive his master's degree in communications and journalism from Stanford University in 1987.

A man of wide-ranging talents, Chris was a gifted musician who played the organ for his childhood church, multiple brass instruments for the Penn Band, and later sang as a tenor in the choir at St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Key West each Christmas Eve. He was passionate about historic preservation and architecture, restoring old homes and designing new ones with a remarkable eye for beauty. His favorite places included Key West, Florida; Figure Eight Island, North Carolina; Princeton, New Jersey; and Nantucket, Massachusetts. His work restoring his home in Key West won him a coveted Ceramic Star from the Historic Keys Foundation in 2011.

Those who knew Chris remember a man of strong will and opinions, someone who was magnetic, witty, and generous. He will be remembered for his garish style - he was a Spring, his pastels far exceeding his neutrals. He lived fully and impacted many lives, establishing deep friendships and impeccably decorated homes that have stood the test of time.

He is survived by his daughter, Millicent Mario; his partner, Christian Conner; his brothers, Greg Mario (Lauren) and Jeremy Mario (Jennifer); along with cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

A celebration of Chris's life will take place in Annapolis, Maryland, on October 18 from noon until 3 pm onboard a chartered yacht, the Catherine Marie. All who knew and loved him are welcome. Please inquire with questions and/or RSVP by sending an email to chrismemorial@mariofamily.com.

In lieu of sending flowers or planting trees, please consider donations to either of his favorite organizations, Housing Nantucket (www.housingnantucket.org) or Open Table Ministry (www.opentableministry.org), which support affordable housing and services for the homeless.

His family takes comfort in his favorite verse, John 14:2: "In my Father's house are many mansions." May Chris find rest in one prepared just for him.