Mario Pasquale D'Addato passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday October 13th, 2024 at Preferred Care At Cumberland in Bridgeton, New Jersey at the age of 89.

Mario was born on June 9, 1935 in Bisceglie, Italy to Felix and Rosalia D'Addato.  Due to an outbreak of tuberculosis, Mario and his mother, Rosalia were unable to accompany Felix when he returned to the United States.  Felix planned to send for his wife and son after they had made a full recovery from the illness. Sadly, Rosalia did not survive.

On December 26, 1946, at the age of eleven, Mario boarded the SS Marine Shark. The ship departed from the Port of Naples, with a brief stop in Palermo, arrived in New York on January 11, 1947.  Mario reunited with his father and they rented a room from Marie Everham in Vineland, New Jersey.  Felix and Marie later married in June of 1947. Mario was blessed with a cherished stepmother and with two beloved stepsisters, Angela and Charlotte.

Mario graduated from Vineland High School in 1954.  He enlisted in the Navy on September 30, 1954 and was honorably discharged on August 31, 1958 with the rank of Yeoman, Third Class.  He served on the USS Coral Sea, USS Desmoines, and the USS Salem. When the USS Coral Sea was docked in Naples, a porter recognized Mario's last name and introduced him to Gino D'Addato, a police officer bearing the same last name. Gino invited Mario to his home, where he met his wife of 64 years, Toni.

Mario embarked upon a career in banking after his honorable discharge from the Navy. Over the next 37 years, he would work with local area banks before retiring in 1995. During his retirement, he taught Adult Italian Language classes and became a Eucharistic Minister at Christ the Good Shepherd Church. Mario was a proud honorary lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2531 and the Fourth Degree Assembly #654. He also enjoyed camping and spending time at the Jersey shore with family and friends.

Mario is survived by his beloved wife, Toni D'Addato; his stepsister, Angela Marandino; his daughter, Rosalie Irons and son-in-law Keith of Las Vegas, Nevada; his son, Mark D'Addato and daughter-in-law Ann of Frederick, Maryland. Mario is also survived by two granddaughters, Kristin Irons of Centreville, Virginia and Katie D'Addato of East Lyme, Connecticut.

The viewing will be held at Christ the Good Shepherd, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1010 E. Landis Avenue, Vineland NJ on Thursday, October 17 at 10 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial which will begin at 11:00 AM.  Private entombment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garden Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Mario to Knights of Columbus Vineland Chapter #2531, PO 72, Vineland, NJ 08362-0072.

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.