Mario Alberto Chaple

Mario Alberto Chaple (y Álvarez) peacefully passed from this world on June 27, 2024 in Burlingame, CA due to natural causes. He was 93 years old.

Mario was born in Havana, Cuba on March 14, 1931. He was raised by his maternal grandmother, who he absolutely adored. Throughout his youth, Mario was never shy about standing up for the causes he believed in, so it was no surprise when he went on to study law at the University of Havana and the University of Miami, where he spent time as an exchange student. He graduated with a law degree in 1953 from the University of Havana, and after graduation, moved to Puerto Rico where he met the love of his life, the wonderful Altagracia Vélez Cruz; Mario always said it was love at first sight. The couple wed six months later in December 1954, and they were married for more than 56 years prior to Altagracia's passing in July 2011. Mario and Altagracia started their family in Puerto Rico before moving to Baltimore, MD and eventually settling in Philadelphia, PA. Mario worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Liquor Control Board and the Pennsylvania Parole Board until his retirement in December 1991, when he transitioned into being a full-time grandpa - the role he most enjoyed. In 2000, Mario and Altagracia decided to downsize, selling their Roxborough home and moving to Exton, PA to help raise their grandkids. Mario loved watching sports, especially his beloved Phillies and Eagles, and taught all his kids how to play and enjoy sports. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandpa, and caring for his family was among his favorite things in life. He was known for his generosity, spectacular stories (was he actually born on March 12th, as he claimed?), and ability to make his family laugh. In 2018, Mario moved to East Windsor, NJ and finally settled at Atria (now Pacifica) Senior Living in Burlingame, CA as of June 2021.

Mario A. Chaple was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Altagracia Vélez Cruz de Chaple and loving son George. He is survived by sons Mario P., Michael (Hildy) and John, along with daughters Grace DiCecco and Diane Suznovich (Steven). Mario was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, and he will be sorely missed.

Mario's ashes will be buried alongside Altagracia and George at Calvary Cemetery in Conshohocken, PA, and no services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please be kind to others and donate to your favorite charity.