Vernazzaro, Mario, 94, of Kingston, passed away on March 14th. He was the son of the late Lucy and Frank Vernazzaro. Mario grew up in Kingston, graduating from Kingston High School in 1944.
After graduating from high school, Mario enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed in Virginia Beach. While in Virginia Beach, after completing a course in RADAR, he was transferred to the Advanced PT training boat base at Melville, RI. Here he was made a member of the boxing team and entered the Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament and won the championship in his class. As a member of the US Navy stationed in the Philippines on a PT boat during WWII received the Philippine Liberation Medal. In addition, Mario was decorated with the WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the military, he returned home to Kingston to establish roots with his family and became an icon within the community; his various businesses ranged from being a shoe cobbler with his brother, owning a restaurant, a Block Company and his final business; Expressway Sewerage Company, Inc (or affectionately known as Vernazzaro Bros).
Mario loved hunting with his beagles. Later in life he found a passion for fishing and boating. He loved his trips to Aruba and he loved gambling. He was a life long member of the Cold Spring Club as well as a member of the American Legion in Kingston.
Mario was preceded in death by the love of his life, Geraldine (Dearn). in 2017. He leaves behind his daughter, Tammy Rossi of Kingston. He also leaves behind four nephews and a niece; Joel Vernazzaro of FL, Frank Vernazzaro of NH, Steven Vernazzaro and his wife Kate of FL and Ron Vernazzaro and Theresa of Kingston and Celine Vernazzaro of FL. He is survived by one grand daughter, Keli Rossi of Plymouth as well as 3 great grand children. He also leaves behind his sister in law Patty Cavicchi. He is survived by many great grand nieces and nephews. Mario was preceded in death by his first wife; Candice as well as his daughter; Laurie, his brothers; Bart and Nick and his son, Todd Rossi.
Mario smile would light up a room. He had a kind and compassionate spirit.
Funeral arrangements will be under the care of the Bartlett Funeral Home, 338 Court Street, Plymouth. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 18th from 4-7 pm. A memorial service will be held on Friday morning at the funeral home on Friday morning at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mario's memory to American Legion Food Pantry Attention Beth Lynch 199 Federal Furnace Road, Plymouth, MA 02360