Mr. Mario J. DeStefano

Mr. Mario J. DeStefano, age 86, of New Hartford, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of his family by his side. Born in Utica on December 10, 1923, Mario was the son of the late Victor and Ella (Ioia) DeStefano. Raised and educated locally, he attended M.V.C.C. where he concentrated his studies on architectural design and real estate development. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, he honorably served his country during World War II. On December 1, 1951 he married the former Jane M. Mazzenga with whom he shared 45 years in a relationship of mutual love and devotion until her passing on August 25, 1997. For many years, Mario worked in his trade as a master carpenter for various local construction organizations. Both on and off the job, he was a fun-loving, humorous, easy-going man who was able to make friends easily. Endowed with an impressive memory, he never forgot a name or a face. For recreation, he enjoyed mall-walking and meeting his friends and his brothers for coffee at McDonalds and Paneras. He was a member of the Carpenters Local #747. Mario was devoted to his Catholic faith, praying the rosary daily and participating in a yearly religious retreat. Mario is survived by his daughter, Janice M. DeStefano of Clinton; his son and daughter-in-law, Louis and Christine DeStefano of Weston, FL; and his grandchildren, Ashley Kroll, Kendra DeStefano, and Katelyn DeStefano. Survivors also include his companion of many years, Lillian Spaziani, and her daughters and sons-in-law, Darlene and Tony Torchia of Schuyler, and Donna Castronova and her sons, David and Ryan, of Las Vegas; his brothers, Gilbert DeStefano of Utica, and Victor L. DeStefano of Sauquoit; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Marge DeStefano of Utica. He also leaves many dear and cherished friends, especially acknowledging Chuck Hof, a close and dedicated family friend who was like a second son; and Paul Kroll, his granddaughter’s father. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Gennaro and Rosaria “Sara” DeStefano; and his in-laws, Joseph Mazzenga, Vincenza “Chancey” Miles, and Margaret J. DeStefano. The family expresses sincere appreciation to the staffs of the Faxton Dialysis Center and the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for all their kindness in caring for Mario. Thanks also to Dr. Emile Wassell, Dr. Raouf Kodsy, and Dr. Ronald Kaye, for all their years of dedication. Visitation will be held Saturday (today) from 9:30-10:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, or the Faxton-St. Luke’s Dialysis Center in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. DeStefano’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence this morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and 11:30 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where his Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors will be offered by Rev. Joseph Zareski. Committal prayers and entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum with military honors.

Mr. Mario J. DeStefano

December 10, 1923 - October 21, 2010