Mario Anthony Infanti

Mario Anthony Infanti
June 7, 1950 – September 12, 2024
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of the love of my life, Mario Anthony Infanti on September 12, 2024, at Joanne's House at Hope Hospice, Bonita Springs, FL, following a massive stroke on August 27. Mario was born in Waterbury, CT, on June 7, 1950, to the late Mary and Salvatore Infanti.
Mario was an accomplished musician, refined guitarist and vocalist, who made music a full-time, life-long professional career. Mario was widely known throughout Southwest Florida and Connecticut. Mario toured with Grammy winner Chuck Mangione for 4 years, performed with Steely Dan guitarist, Elliott Randall, Chuck Rainey, Neil Stubenhaus, Stars on 45 and many other notable talents.
Mario broke a lot of hearts when he left this world. Anyone who knew Mario would agree he was humble, kind, affable, warm, and a beautiful human being who loved and lived life to the fullest.
A devoted and recognized animal activist, Mario loved wildlife and big cats and raised mountain lions, Sasha and her mother Katrina. Never having children of his own, he considered these big cats his daughters. Back in the day, those who received the proper training could legally own big cats in Florida, and Mario trained for 1,500 hours before devoting 20 years of his life raising the mountain lions. Mario and Sasha were featured in "National Geographic" magazine, April 2014, where he shared his passion and story. Mario quickly became known as "The Catman", dubbed by the famous music artist Chuck Mangione and maintained that nickname for life. For 15 years, he had his own band, "The Catman Doodz." Mario was truly a unique man who spent countless hours proudly sharing his passion and care for animals with others, inspiring many to try something new. When his last cat, Sasha, passed away in 2016, he was forever heartbroken, which marked the end of his big cat era.
Mario's career led him to extensively travel and live in various places including Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and most recently, Cape Coral, FL. Mario was honored with several celebrations of life in Southwest Florida, hosted by his vast musical family, and with a second musical celebration and mass officiated by Father Jerry Kaywell, Mario's longtime dear friend and fellow musician.
Arrangements: Friends are invited to attend a graveside memorial service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 1056 Daniels Farm Rd., Trumbull, CT, on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., followed by a gathering at Brewport Brewing Co., 225 South Frontage Rd., Bridgeport, CT, at 3PM – 6PM. Mario's wish was to celebrate his life with friends, family, music, and stories about himself. Mario was known for his ability to make everyone feel welcome, valued, and was an entertainer who appreciated a good party.
In Spring 2025, a Celebration of Life will take place outdoors at Verdi, Waterbury, CT. Mario was a magnificent talent, and we will continue to honor his legacy and keep his music alive. Details to follow on Facebook and through word of mouth, as he had many friends and fans.
In addition to Mario's wife, Diane DeLuca, survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Nick Antonio, sister-in-law, Nancy Sivak, nephews Nicholas Antonio, Jr., Jason Antonio, John Sivak, Daniel Caruso, Anthony Caruso, and niece, Kristal Sivak, great-nephews Nicholas Antonio, JJ Sivak, and great-niece Scarlett Sivak. Mario is also survived by many special cousins and very close friends, too numerous to list.
Mario, I love you and will forever miss you. Thank you for the generous love and happiness you gave to me. Rest in Peace, My Mario Angel. With all my love, your wife, Diane.
Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury has been entrusted with assisting the family with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/celebrate-mario-infantis-life-help-us-help-them.
For more info or to send e-condolences visit: www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com