Mario John Persechini

1920 - 2015

MARIO JOHN PERSECHINI 1920-2015 Mario passed away Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the age of 95. Mario was a longtime resident of the Riverside area and lived in Riverside, California before moving to Nuevo, California. Mario died of natural causes. Born on February 9, 1920 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Mario was the middle child of three children born to David and Angelina Persechini. David and Angelina had emigrated from Italy in the early 1900s eventually settling in Kenosha. Mario's father, David, also lived to the very old age of 96. Winters were harsh in Kenosha, but summers were spent enjoying sports and the outdoors. One summer, Mario found a job as a caddy at the local golf course. The love of golf continued throughout his life. He passed that love on to his son and grandsons. They often golfed together until Mario was in his 80's. Mario also was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hiking. Mario passed his joy of the outdoors to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. At the outset of America's involvement in World War II, Mario joined the Army and was picked to be part of the new Army Air Corps. He traveled to Southern California to train as a pilot. While there, he met his future wife Viola Archibek. Mario and Viola married before Mario was stationed in England. As a bomber pilot, Mario rose to the rank of Captain and was one of the few B-17 pilots able to complete 25 missions. For the completion of 25 missions and for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, Mario earned the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, Mario settled in the Riverside area. As a devoted husband and father, he lived a quiet life focusing on family and friends. Mario worked for Alcan Aluminum and eventually retired from Alcan to work in real estate. He and Viola raised two children. Mario was preceded in death by his brother Larry, his sister Mary, and Viola his wife of over fifty years. Mario is survived by his daughter, Yvonne; his son, David; his daughter-in-law, Patricia; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mario was able to know and love all of his great-grandchildren before he passed. A viewing will be held on March 11th at the Miller-Jones Mortuary located at 26770 Murrieta Road in Sun City, California; the viewing will be from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. Mario's mass will take place on March 12th at Saint James Catholic Church in Perris, California located at 269 W 3rd St. Mass will be held at 11:30AM. After mass, his burial will take place at 1:00PM at Riverside National Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow at Menifee Lakes Country Club.