MARIO SANTILLI Sr.

SANTILLI MARIO, SR.
On Friday, March 12, 2010, Mario, age 77, of Hopewell Township, passed away at Allegheny General Hospital surrounded by loving family. He was a caring and compassionate husband, dad, papa, uncle and friend; not afraid of hard work and always had time for those in need. He always stressed the value of education and the opportunities available in this country. He was very proud of the accomplishments of his children and their families. Mario was a retired employee of Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation and a Master Gardener who generously shared his harvest. Born in Pacentro, Italy, he immigrated to this area in 1953, after leaving Caracas, Venezuela, where he worked for three years. He was the son of the late Nicola and Antonietta (Agostinelli) Santilli. In addition to his parents, his brother Raymo Santilli preceded him in death. Mario is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carolina (Lepore); children, Mario Jr. and his wife Heidi Rai, Santilli; Diana and her husband, Scott A. Smith; Raymo and his wife, Liane Santilli; and Anthony and his wife Claudine, Santilli; grandchildren, Jenna Smith, Kara Smith, Maria Santilli, John Santilli, Isabella Santilli, Abby Stewart, Emily (Bill Mehlhorn) Stewart and Ian Stewart; great-grandchild, Parker Mehlhorn; sisters-in-law Nina (Fernando) Lepore and Gina (Rafaelle) DeChellis; brothers -in-law Guido (Josephine) Lepore and Christopher (Rose) Lepore; and many nieces, nephews and friends and Cosmo. He will be greatly missed by his family and everyone whose life he touched. Friends will be received on Monday, March 15, 2010 from 3:00 to 8:00pm at the DARROCH MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 2640 Mill Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001 (www.darrochfuneralhome.com) A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 10:00am at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 2270 Brodhead Rd., Aliquippa, PA. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Roman Catholic Cemetery, Aliquippa, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Gateway Rehab, Office of Development, Robinson Plaza Three, Suite 430, 6600 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, www.gatewayrehab.org; or Villa St. Joseph, 1030 State Street, Baden, PA 15005, www.stjoseph-baden.org
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