Mario Angelo Salvestrin

Mario Angelo Salvestrin

of Novato, California, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the age of 88 years old.

His life was an example of family, faith, hard work and strength of character, living always with purpose. In all his actions, Mario was always intentional in pursuing excellence in all aspects of his life. A husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, who has had a meaningful impact on not just his family, but all who knew him, in his quiet, steadfast demeanor.

Born on August 14, 1937, in Crespano Del Grappa, Italy, Mario grew up in a small town in the foothills of the Italian Alps during World War II. The hardships of that war greatly shaped his principles and values, especially the defining focus on family, and respecting the dignity of every person.

Mario started working at 14 years of age, learning the art of plastering. At the age of 20, Mario immigrated to the United States for a better life, settling in North Beach, San Francisco where he furthered his plaster craft. Shortly thereafter, Mario was drafted into the U.S. Army, and proudly, and honorably, served his new country.

Returning from military service, in 1965, he married his wife of 60 years, Carmen. Together they built a life, with their three children as the center of their lives, striving always that they might live the American dream.

As a master plasterer for over 45+ years, you can witness the exceptional quality of his work on many buildings all over Northern California which attests to his commitment for excellence: the Transamerica Pyramid, Palace of Fine Arts, the Bank of America Building, Neiman Marcus in Union Square, and the American Conservatory Theater, all in San Francisco; and the California Museum's Constitution Wall in Sacramento; just to name a few. Mario was respected and admired by many in his industry.

Cherishing time with his family, Mario was always a loving husband, blessed in his love for Carmen; and a proud father to his children Gina (Mark); Steven (Kathleen); Paul (Holly); his seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, his brother Dino (Tecla) and many nieces and nephews. Mario now joins in eternal rest with his brother Franco, sister-in-law Ezia and his parents Angelo and Angela.

To celebrate the gift and grace that was Mario's life, all are invited to gather on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11am, at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 1000 Cambridge Street, Novato, California; Mario will be laid to rest, with a reception to follow, at Valley Memorial Park, 650 Bugeia Lane, Novato, California, 94945.

In lieu of flowers, the family hopes any contributions would be made to Hospice by the Bay, (bythebayhealth.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).