Mario MORELLO

MORELLO, Mario
Passed away peacefully on November 28, 2012 with his family by his side. Mario was born January 1, 1925 in San Francisco, CA. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Verena, children Michael and Victoria, a granddaughter, sisters Sarah Romeo and Rose Del Zompo and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Francesca Morello and brothers Joseph and Dominic.

Mario was a member of the 'Greatest Generation.' He proudly served his country in WW II as a member of the U.S. Army 118th Anti-Aircraft Artillery gun battalion (Mobile), B Battery as a 90 mm gun loader. He sailed to England aboard the Queen Mary and proceeded to Omaha Beach, Normandy, France on June 9, 1944 with the 1st U.S. Army. In addition to Normandy, he also served in Northern France, the Rhineland and was part of the Battle of the Bulge in Verdun, France on December 18, 1944. During his time in the army, many lifelong friendships were forged. Mario thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his army buddies, especially John Addiego and the late Joe Martinez. In 1993 Mario was instrumental in establishing the annual 118th AAA Gun Battalion reunions that still continue today with get-togethers and newsletters.

From 1946 to 1966 Mario spent several weeks each summer working as a commercial salmon fisherman in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Mario was the owner/operator of Mario's Seafoods, a retail seafood market in the South Sacramento area for 22 years, retiring in 1991. During this time, Mario established many long term friendships with customers and business associates, and kept in contact with many.

Mario enjoyed great conversation, a great joke, WW II history, the San Francisco 49'ers, photography, the Friday neighborhood tea times and going out to lunch with his buddy John, for the 'best calamari' at The Cheesecake Factory. He enjoyed many types of music and in the 1940's had a song he wrote published. He learned to play the accordion as a young boy; however the accordion was much too heavy for him to carry. So, Mario made an agreement with his brother Joe - Mario took the music lessons and Joe went with him and carried the accordion. Mario enjoyed being with his friends and family and was especially proud of his granddaughter and all that she has accomplished. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and all that knew him.

The family would like to express their gratitude to nephew Stephen Finney for his thoughtfulness, dedication and companionship to 'Uncle Mario' over the past four years.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 5, 2012, 3:00 to 7:00 pm at Lombard & Company, 1550 Fulton Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825. Rosary and mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 11:00 am at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 4123 Robertson Ave, Sacramento, CA 95821.

Interment immediately following at The Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA. A reception in his honor will be at a later date.

Condolences may also be sent to the family via the online guest book at www.sacbee.com/funeral.

Remembrances may be made in his name to The American Cancer Society or The American Diabetes Association.