Mario Picciotti

Live Stream Link: https://vimeo.com/event/5487636
Recorded Video Link: https://vimeo.com/1132276017
In Loving Memory of Mario Louis Picciotti
October 25, 1937 – October 26, 2025
Mario Louis Picciotti was born on October 25, 1937, in Camden, New Jersey, to Antonio Picciotti (1894–1984) and Sarah Riti (1915–2008). He grew up near the ocean with his brother, Anthony Picciotti (1936–2020), and was preceded in death by his half-siblings Albert, Giuseppe, Oresto, Daniel and ex-wife, Helen L. Baker.
Mario proudly served in the United States Air Force from March 1957 to March 1961. While in the Air Force, Mario met the love of his life, Helen L. Baker, who he married in 1960. Following his service, he spent much of his life on the open road as a professional truck driver, traveling across the country before settling in Phoenix, Arizona. Before his truck driving career, Mario worked as a book keeper, craps dealer and in the construction industry. Mario was very active in his community, especially with youth sports. Even in retirement, he remained dedicated to his community, working as a school bus driver-where his natural connection with children earned him the affection of countless students.
For more than fifty years, Mario devoted himself to coaching youth sports, including football, basketball, baseball and bowling. He coached his two sons, his nephews, his grandchildren, and many other young athletes who benefited from his patience and encouragement. Known as "The Whip" in his younger years, and throughout his high school years, for his powerful pitching arm. Baseball remained his lifelong passion. His love of the game carried through generations. His grandson Zach played baseball through college as a pitcher and his granddaughter Paige played basketball through college and now coaches high school basketball, continuing his legacy of mentorship and motivation.
After his divorce, when his two sons were older, Mario found renewed purpose in helping children who needed guidance and love. He began fostering several children, providing them with stability, kindness, and a sense of belonging. Among them was Alfredo, whom he later adopted and welcomed fully into his family. He was very actively involved in his Godson, Tommy Lewis' life. He coached him through bowling where Tommy achieved several championships and college scholarship awards. Years later, after moving to Phoenix, Mario continued his commitment to serving others as a volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. There, he shared his humor, warmth, and wisdom with underprivileged youth-always believing in the power of perseverance, second chances, and the goodness within every child.
Mario cherished family traditions, especially during the holidays. Though he rarely drank, his favorite wine was Chianti, and every Christmas he insisted on making pasta with anchovies for his family. Despite his work schedule, he always strived to be at all important family events, which included making it to his sons games, holidays, graduations and weddings.
In his younger years, he enjoyed ocean fishing, camping, and cross-country road trips with his family-traveling each summer from Maryland to North Dakota and filling every mile with laughter and stories. The travels usually included stops at many of the National Parks, when his sons were young.
Mario is survived by his two sons, Wesley Joseph Picciotti (Wanda) and Philip Anthony Picciotti (Kristina); five grandchildren, Zachary Lyle Picciotti (Cassie), Paige Allyn Picciotti (Scott Loy), Channelle Mariah McBride, Arianna Nicole Picciotti, and Daniela Marie Picciotti; and four great-grandchildren, Hayes, Baker, Dimitri, and Oath.
Those who knew Mario will remember his humor, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family and community. He was a man who gave freely of his time and his heart, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and love-for both people and the game he so adored.