Mario Pesce

Mario Pesce passed away peacefully in his home on December 25th at 93 years young, surrounded by his loving family. Mario was born on January 23, 1931 in Pontelandolfo, Benevento, Italy. He was the son of the late Angelo and Anna (Perugini) Pesce. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Graziella Pesce. 

He leaves behind one daughter Maria Ponte (Antonio Ponte Jr.), who continuously cared for Nonno, ensuring he remained comfortably at home his entire life, for which our family is grateful, and his beloved grandchildren, Daniela, Cristina and Antonio Ponte III (Sienna) who were the light of his life. They grew up with Nonno and Nonni, stopping into the dinner table almost every night of the summer as kids. He also leaves behind one brother Gennaro Pesce of Benevento, Italy and his sister Maria Pesce of Torrington, CT. His sister would call him daily to check in with him and see what new trouble he was up to. He also had a unique and special bond with each one of his devoted nieces and nephews. It would be an understatement to say that his family was the most important part of his life. He will be missed tremendously.

Mario grew up in the farmlands of Italy, tending to sheep, or pawning his duties off on his future wife, and sometimes sleeping in the barn. Mario would always come home in time for dinner, as his mother’s cooking was his favorite (later in life his wife’s and daughter’s was the only cooking that would do). While in Italy, Mario served in the Military Corps Fanteria, which are the soldiers that would fight on the ground on the frontlines. Mario made the long hard journey to America with his wife in hopes of a better life. He worked hard at any job he could find and found opportunities everywhere, selling anything from knockoff Ferrari sunglasses to used cars, in hopes of earning a few “George Washingtons”. Eventually this opened up the opportunity of working for the Stone Container Corporation. It was here he work his way to becoming lead foreman, making lifelong friends there and always willing to get his fellow Italian immigrants a job if they agreed to work hard. 

Mario (Nonno) was a true “jack of all trades”. He was always ready to pitch in and help in whatever project one needed help with, many times giving a lot of unsolicited advice (“just fa say”). He could fix or make just about anything, from stone walls to wooden spoons to tile floors. One of his greatest passions was gardening, and he made his backyard reminiscent of the rolling farmlands of Italy, filled with tomato plants, peppers, strawberries, peaches, and more. He was always happy to share his carefully grown gems and grow any plant or flower imaginable. Surprisingly when you met him, what seemed on the outside like a stubborn, tough Italian man, the real Nonno would never miss the chance to fill life with laughter and joy with singing and dancing. He’d be quick to serenade you with his accordion or sing to you “Che La Luna”.

Our family is forever grateful to all of the wonderful, compassionate caregivers that helped to allow Mario to remain comfortably at home for the last years of his life. Special thanks to Micaela and Miguelina Lopez, Benita Ngom and Hanna Shchetbitska (who for the last year of his life, who was his round-the-clock caregiver) and of course Dr. Dennis Gottfried, who was a constant source of support as Mario’s primary physician. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT, with Msgr. Robert F. Tucker officiating. Burial will follow at St. Francis New Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call on Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org)    Condolences may be sent to Mario's family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com