Mr. Mario R. D’Antonio, 99, formerly of Waterbury, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Beacon Brook Health Center in Naugatuck. He was the loving husband of the late Esther (Mazzei) D’Antonio.
Mr. D’Antonio was born on Nov. 4, 1917 in Waterbury, son of the late Umberto and Liberata (Cirilli) D’Antonio. He was a truck driver for Forest City Express Co. for many years. His friendly personality led him to make several acquaintances throughout the city and surrounding towns.
Mario served as a corporal in the U.S. Army in World War II in Europe and Northern Africa. He was a member of the Anzio Beachhead Veterans and attended a reunion in Warwick, R.I. with his daughter a few years ago. He went to two 5th Army reunions in Nashville, Tenn. and Charlotte, N.C. with his son.
He was also a member of the Teamsters Local 677, the Chase Park Pinochle Club and the Prospect Senior Center.
Mario enjoyed golfing at both Waterbury municipal golf courses after he retired in 1977. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, New York Giants and UConn women’s basketball.
Mario visited Italy three times, including a trip to the World War II battle sights. He was especially proud of the certificates of appreciation the tour members received from the Italian government. He was also honored by the Secretary of State, the Timexpo World War II Exhibit and the Regency at Prospect.
Mario enjoyed many trips to Cape Cod where he played bocce on Cold Storage Beach in Dennis. His warm, witty and humble spirit will be greatly missed. He was a hard worker who always put his family’s needs before his own.
Mario is survived by his daughter, Liberta D’Antonio, with whom he made his home in Prospect; his son, Mario A. D’Antonio and his wife Diane, of Massapequa, N.Y.; his grandchildren, Allison D’Antonio, Jason D’Antonio and his wife Elisabeth, his great-grandsons, Nicholas and Vincent D’Antonio, all of Long Island; as well as many nieces and nephews and his cherished rescue dog, Buttons.
He and his nephew, Charlie Cipriano, shared a special interest in trucks and World War II.
He was predeceased by his brother, Anthony D’Antonio and his sisters, Yolanda Cipriano, Mary Gagne and Eva Battistrada.
Mario’s family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Gniadek, his primary care physician. Dr. Gniadek’s exceptional diagnostic skills enabled Mario to be with his family for many more years than expected.
