Mario Malatesta

With his gruff exterior, Mario tried to hide his heart of gold, but it still shined through. rnrnHe kept silent watch on the grandkids, none of their accomplishments passed by without his knowing. When his daughter was competing for the world roller-skating championship, he’d think nothing of getting up at 2 a.m. to drive her to New York. Given, having competed in roller-skating himself, he had the background to appreciate the importance of it. It also gave him the technical knowledge to be an unofficial judge for “Dancing with the Stars.” rnrnHis work ethic knew no bounds. To provide the best, he usually held down three jobs at once, and continued working until he was 89. rnrnIt was in his nature to demand respect and discipline. No surprise then that he rose to the rank of master sergeant while serving the U.S. Army during World War II. He saw action on the beaches of Normandy. rnrnMario is survived by his wife, Edith (Carver) of Delran; his children: Lauri Ferentinos (John) of Atlanta, Ga., Bunny Zimmerman (Bill) of Riverside, Roseanne Lawson of Florida, Alan (Kathy) of Connecticut, Beverly Schoeber of Willingboro, and Donna Bonell of Florida; his grandchildren: Cindi, Larry, Jonathan, Jacob, Elizabeth, Sarah and Lindsay; and great-grandchildren: Gabrielle, Bailey, Madison, Chase and Zachary. rnrnCome celebrate Mario’s 90 gruff, yet kindhearted years on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside, where the service will be Monday at 7 p.m. Interment will be in Beverly National Cemetery. rn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YfzyQdZrZWI