Mr. Mario Bevivino

Mr. Mario Bevivino, age 77, went home to the Lord when he passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Filadelfia, Province of Catanzaro, in the region of Calabria, Italy on January 1, 1938, Mario was the son of the late Girolamo and Carmela (Ruscio) Bevivino. At the age of 17, Mario immigrated to the United States under the sponsorship of his uncle and aunt, Charles and Angela Bevivino who were like second parents to him. On April 15, 1961 he married the former Antonia “Gianna” Sezzi with whom he shared 54 years. Mario and Gianna worked as a team and complemented the ideals of family life. They set a fine example for their children through their sacrifices and sanctity of core values they embraced to preserve their culture and traditions. When Mario arrived in America, he brought with him his talents as a master carpenter and craftsman that he put to use in his employment at various area construction companies. He subsequently became a self-employed craftsman who saw the beauty in the works he created. He designed and built properties with pride and premium workmanship. His clients admired his work and the knowledge which he often shared openly with those who wanted to know the fine points of the trade. Mario was blessed with a humble personality and an old-country work ethic that can be seen today in his children and grandchildren. He was also proud of his heritage and was a true family man. As a parent, he instilled in his children the importance of manners and genuine kindness to others. He put his family first and he was a good provider. He was a man of few words, but his acts defined the decent man he was. He enjoyed a friendly game of cards with family and friends, and Sunday dinners were special and very memorable. Mario enjoyed dancing and could light up any dance floor; people were joyous to see his passion. He held his loved ones in his heart and was happiest when they gathered at his home. He maintained a huge vegetable garden with his father-in-law that produced a bounty of figs, fruit, and vegetables that he shared with everyone. The grapevines in his back yard were most often the meeting place for conversations of everyday life. Mario kept the heritage of his homeland alive by listening to Italian music, radio broadcasts, and reading his native language newspapers. In tune with his heritage, he sent each of his children to his home town in Calabria to honor and remember their cultural lineage and legacy. Mario is survived by his devoted wife, Gianna; their children and their loved ones, Girolamo “Jerry” and Deborah M. Bevivino, Maria C. and David Zongrone, Francesca Bevivino and Daniel F. Dobish, Mario A. Bevivino and Stephanie Tocci, Giordano and Deanna Bevivino, and Matthew P. and Stacey Bevivino; and his grandchildren, Marcella, Vincent, Francesco, and Dominique Bevivino; and David Zongrone. He will also remain in the hearts of his sisters and brothers-in-law, Maria and Vincenzo Carchedi, Ester and Aldo Antonacchi, Dr. Francesca Bevivino; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Giuseppe and Donatella Bevivino, and Domenico and Lina Bevivino, all of Italy; his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his fellow immigrant family members and friends, especially those he socialized with at the "Get Together Club" in more recent years. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-laws, Vito and Melina Bevivino, and Antonio and Maria Bevivino; his sister and brother-in-law, Anna and Benito Pulice; his in-laws, Giordano and Maria Sezzi, with whom he shared his home and his heart. The family will honor and celebrate Mario’s life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mario’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta and con-celebrant Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Mario Bevivino

January 1, 1938 - October 1, 2015