Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
SOTTILE, Mario Jr.
Mario Sottile, Jr. passed away peacefully early Wednesday, (July 13, 2011) in the presence of family at McLean Hospice in Simsbury. He was 77. Mario is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Janet R. (Cannistraro) Sottile; son, Gregory Mark Sottile and his wife Melissa Carver Sottile, son, Michael Stephen Sottile; grandsons, Ethan Mario Sottile and John "Jack" Townsend Sottile; brother, George Sottile, sisters, Josephine McBrien, Ann Sopel and Rita Pasquaretta, many cousins and adoring nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Frank Sottile; a sister, Camille "Cammie" Russo, and his parents, Mario Sr. and Lucy (Novello) Sottile. A Hartford-area resident almost exclusively, Mario established lasting friendships throughout his rich and varied life. His early professional career was spent as an insurance agent with Sun Life of Canada. He subsequently worked 27 years as a highly regarded teacher in the Hartford public school system at Moylan Elementary School, Lewis Fox Middle School and Michael D. Fox Elementary School. Next to family and friends, basketball enraptured him. He loved it and excelled at it. As a kid in Hartford's North End, he'd deliver the afternoon Hartford Times to third-story customers with a catapulting sweep of the left arm, the hook shot he later perfected at a vacant lot next to the family home and on courts throughout the area. By the time he reached Weaver High (class of 1952), Mario was a basketball sensation. A scrappy southpaw point guard, he co-captained the basketball team and earned a four-year athletic scholarship to play at Boston University. Hailed for his hustle, unselfish play and defensive tenacity, Mario co-captained the strong BU squad as well and, with an underhand style, ranked among the nation's top-ten free-throw shooters. After graduating college in 1956 with a degree in physical education, Mario returned to Connecticut where he met Janet, the love of his life. They married in 1960, and settled and raised their children in West Hartford.
Having honeymooned on Cape Cod, the Sottiles couldn't ignore its allure. Mario, Janet and their sons made the Cape an integral part of family life, and together they spent many wonderful vacations there, often with extended family and good friends sharing in these special times. Willingly and without complaint, Mario juggled part-time jobs in the hope of owning a place there someday. In one such position, acquired late in the 1960s, he served as basketball coach at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. In short order, the squad became a holy powerhouse, going 17-3 and winning a junior-college title, a first for the college. He directed the St. Thomas team for three years, and then acquired the position of coaching the University of Connecticut (UCONN) - Hartford team. Mario's devoted work ethic paid off: He and Janet bought a parcel of land in the Cape Cod town of Brewster and built a lovely home there in 1982. He fortified the property with typical resourcefulness, using stone and antique brick from torn-down buildings in Hartford. After retiring in 1994, Mario found new ways to apply himself and to endow loved ones. Absent formal training, he began restoring old furniture with striking results. Trunks and chests, his eventual specialties, often were lavished upon dazzled and unsuspecting guests in West Hartford or Brewster, Mario delighting in delighting others. Those expressions were wrought in other compassionate ways. In 1999, following multiple-bypass surgery, Mario volunteered in St. Francis Hospital's Mended Hearts program, for which he long counseled and reassured patients facing heart surgery. He, along with Janet, became members of Prince Thomas of Savoy, an Italian club where they garnished many lasting friendships while enjoying a meal, playing a few games of bocci or a hand or two at cards. A quiet optimist and a true lover of life, Mario saw the good in humankind and the world around him. On the Cape, especially, he'd leave the house at daybreak for a leisurely drive to wherever whim might take him, or head to the bay to clam. His great appetite for life included most any crustacean - shucked, steamed, stuffed, fried or served over plate of steaming linguini. His innate joy often emerged as a masterful whistle: Mario could render a standard, a ditty, a bobwhite's call with accomplished clarity and precision, the sweet tones nourishing the open air. Like his family, neighbors loved to hear his whistle. His happiness always came through in this way, and what a joy it was to hear this wonderful gift -- his magical tune. For all his benevolence, Mario never shed the competitive zeal that had etched his basketball days. He was a crack shot in horseshoes and a tough customer at the monthly poker game he and many of his long-time Hartford friends played for decades. He heartily supported the University of Connecticut men's and women's basketball teams, its football program and numerous other programs. Mario was a devoted family man. He treasured holiday gatherings, summer picnics, weddings, reunions and visits with family and friends. He adored his sons Gregory and Michael, and was proud of all their accomplishments and was always incredibly supportive during the challenging times. There was never any doubt that he always stood behind his family and dear friends. He could be counted on - time and again. His grandsons - Ethan and Jack Sottile - brought an extra special joy to his heart. "Papa" was loved by these boys who saw in their grandfather a warm, devoted and fun man. Never short on hugs and kisses, and always generous, Mario often surprised his grandchildren with treats and toys aplenty. Above all, Mario loved Janet more than anything. Over the course of a wonderful and inspiring marriage, this team of Hartford natives loved as one, and cared about many. Devoted to each other through good times and bad, they were a shining example of how to love and how to love well. The family wishes to express its gratitude to Dr. Santo Buccheri and Dr. John Galle, to the doctors and staff of the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center, and to McLean Home Care and Hospice.
Family and friends may call Sunday, July 17, 4-7 p.m., at Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Rd., Avon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 18, 10 a.m., at Church of St. Ann, Avon. Burial will follow in Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Doc Hurley Scholarship Foundation, Inc., 103 Woodland St., Hartford, CT 06105-1233. For online condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 9, 2012
Dear Janet and family,
I was supprised to lean that Mario passed away last year.
He was a wonderful person and I will always remember him from school.
God Bless,
Marion Rondinone Stawecki
Westerly, RI
Joe Hilliard
October 2, 2011
To the Sottile Family: My heartfelt condolences on the loss of my junior college basketball coach, Mario. He was a great role model to me in my formative years at St. Thomas Seminary and I'll never forget the ecstasy on his face when we won the Connecticut Small College Basketball Championship at Kaiser Gym in New Britain. Mario was a great mentor and role model who loved God and people. I will always remember him as a special guide in my life. Fondly, Joe Hilliard
Debi Auger
October 1, 2011
Janet I'm so sorry to hear of Mario's passing. I did not know he passed away until tonight or the kids and I would have been at the wake. I will always remember hearing Mario's whistle when you lived across from us in Pond Place. I have so many good memories of Mario. He was such a good person and always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Barbara Roberts
September 10, 2011
Mario was a strong but sensitive man with a sentimental heart and a passionate soul, a real gentle man.
A life well lived doesn't end any more than music ends...it echoes through time with whispers of beauty and grace. If we listen, we can hear the encore with our hearts...
For the song plays on just as love plays on.
My condolences to the Sottile family.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jack O'Neill
August 13, 2011
Mario was truly "A Man for All Seasons" .....RIP.
Richard Godbout
July 25, 2011
Janet & Family: I share in your grief for the passing of Mario, I did not know he passed away last week, I was talking to my sister Marilyn and she informed me. He was a fun guy to be with, we will all miss him. Love and prayers. Hope to see you in the near future..
July 20, 2011
Janet,Michael,Gregory and Family:
Our deepest sympathy to you all.It is our prayer that Mario now rests with the Lord.
Bob and Pat Hilliard
Mara Aleksiewicz RN ~
July 20, 2011
My deepest condolences to the entire Sottile family. It was an honor to know & take care of Mario. We always had fun/interesting conversations! Janet I am sending you a big hug.
Bob DePietro
July 19, 2011
I was surprised and saddened by learning of Mario's passing. He was special indeed. I was his colleague, one of the first fellow "team leaders" when we opened Lewis B.Fox MS in 1971. Some 20 years went by before I saw Mario again. He suddenly appeared one day a few years ago and cheered me up when I was undergoing open heart surgery, under the St Francis Mended Heart Program of which he dutifully and capably, like everything else, did so well. He was a good man, as you all know, and is now a great co-captain for God in Heaven.
Franco & Angela Buonannata
July 18, 2011
Dear Janet and family,
Franco and I were out of town and just heard the sad news. We will always remember Mario being such a kind and gentle spirit. May your lifetime of happy memories always surround you and bring you strength. May Mario rest in eternal peace.
Wendy Montei
July 18, 2011
Dear Michael,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wendy
Fannie Mitchell-Griggs
July 18, 2011
To the Sottile Family: I was a student in Mr. Sottile's class when Lewis Fox Middle School first opened. He was an incredibly delightful teacher always encouraging, upbeat & extreamly positive. It is apparent this is how he lived his life. I extend my sincere condolence to the entire family for your loss. Mr. Sottile's accomplishments were numerous, it's nice to know he lived such a rich fulfiling life.
Nancy Swanson
July 18, 2011
Dear Sottile family, I just returned from vacation and am sad to read of Mario's passing. I have worked at the union office (HFT) for over 32 years and got to know Mr. Sottile during that time. He was always a joy to be around, always smiling, always an upbeat attitude about life. He will be missed by all that knew him. With sincere sympathy, Nancy Swanson
Hanky(Helene) Van De Wege(Haskell)
July 17, 2011
Janet Thinking of you at this time. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
I will always remember Mario standing at the free throw line, blessing himself, then shooting....
Hopefully, I will see you again someday soon.
Helene(Hanky Haskell) Van De Wege
my e-mail is: [email protected]
Paula & Joe Pasquaretta
July 16, 2011
Janet and Family,
We send out deepest sympathy, so sorry for your loss. Mario was a great guy, may he rest in peace.
July 16, 2011
Dear Janet & Family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. He will be missed by all.
Fondly, Dianne Fellows (Cape Canaveral, Fl)
July 15, 2011
Janet & Family. So sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts & prayers at this very difficult time. Sari (Friedman) & David Rutt (Ft. Myers, FL)
Gert Litsky
July 15, 2011
Dear Janet and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your great
loss of Mario, your husband, father and
grandfather. I knew Mario from Weaver and now we are neighbors in Avon. Our
condolences to you.
Gert & Ron Litsky
Jos. Jackson
July 15, 2011
Janet & family;
'
Peace be still...
'
JJax
Patti Morytko
July 15, 2011
Michael and Family,
Michael its been a long time since we hung out Freshman year in high school - I wanted to express my sincere sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.
Patti (Roja) Morytko
Terri Grossi
July 15, 2011
Janet, Michael & Greg,
Mario was such a sweet, loving soul and the epitome of kindness. My love and prayers are with all of you! God Bless! Love, Terri
Mark Bartlett
July 15, 2011
I remember early mornings in Fox Middle School. Melodic whistling preceded a bouncing step, a wide smile, and a warm, enthusiastic greeting. A great way to start each day. Condolences.
July 15, 2011
Such a brave man!Mario is an example of faith and devotion - such a wonderful man - our sympathy to his family
Joe and Dolores Kelliher
Susan Franke
July 15, 2011
Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts are with your entire family. Susan, Michael, and Katherine will miss hearing the whistling in the neighborhood. The Franke Family
tom mcbrien
July 15, 2011
Well written about an amazing life that uncle mario had. One life to follow and cherish. Uncle mario will be deeply missed with our family and we want to send our condolences to your family and our extended family.
Mary and Joe Poisson
July 15, 2011
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather. We will never forget Mario.
Elliott & Elissa Donn
July 15, 2011
Dear Janet & Family,
We are greatly saddened by Mario's passing, and want to offer our sincerest condolences to you all.
He was a quiet "mensch", a good and decent man, and we pray that many happy memories of your time with him will help sustain you at this sad time. His loss will be shared by all who knew him.
May he rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
301 Country Club Road, Avon, CT 06001
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more