Mario Richard Matarrese, Jr.

Mario Richard Matarrese, Jr.

A Truly Unique Man -

Mario Richard Matarrese, Jr., age 67, of Staten Island, and formerly of Brooklyn, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021.  Mario was born on Sunday, July 4, 1954, in Brooklyn to the late Mario Arthur Matarrese, Sr. and Louise Jean (DiPietro) Matarrese.  Mario was the widower of Maria C. (LaBolita) Matarrese, whom he married on May 4, 1997, and who died on January 20, 2021.  In addition to his parents and wife, Mario is preceded in death by his son, Matthew James Matarrese.

Mario’s survivors include his son, Daniel “Dan” John Matarrese and wife, Ashley, of Mechanicsburg; his step-daughter, Tammy Miller; his two grandchildren: Jayden and Elijah Matarrese; his two step-grandchildren: Amanda and Michael Guerriero; his five step-great-grandchildren: Anthony, Gianni, Rory, Violet, Emilia; his brother, Gregory Matarrese; his three sisters: Christine Kerr, Teresa Scribner, Lorraine Ciampa; and several nieces and nephews.

Born into a family full of Brooklyn-Italian passion, Mario was the second of five children, and the namesake of Mario Sr.  The experience of being Matarrese included many interesting family dynamics, some of which included: a consistent presence of amazing food in high quantities, a high-decibel level of either conversation or opera music, and probable violation of child-labor laws as all the children worked at various family businesses while still in elementary school.  Through his unique childhood experiences, Mario developed into a truly unique man.  His love of family, music, and a good deal at a yard sale, made any time spent with him a time filled with laughter, love and joy.

But through all the amazing experiences and memories that so many shared with Mario, his true legacy lies in his faith.  It is a faith that was tested often in his life.  It is a faith that did not fold when things weren’t easy, it did not shrink when the unthinkable happened.  It’s a faith that chose love, clung to hope and contended for peace, even when all those things seemed to be so far out of reach.  It is a faith that left an indelible mark on all those who knew him.

And it is through that legacy of faith that we all have the strength to mourn the loss of a man we all loved so dearly, while also celebrating the gift he was to all of us.

All are welcome to join Mario’s family at his in-person and virtual gathering of family and friends and viewing on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m., all at Scarpaci Funeral Home, 6389 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY 10309; with Pastor Eric “Ric” Jacobs and Pastor Ronald O’Neil officiating.  At the request of the family, everyone who enters the funeral home must be properly masked and remain so at all times.  Burial will follow the service in Resurrection Cemetery in Staten Island, NY.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Mario’s remembrance of his son, Matthew, memorial contributions can be made to Make-A-Wish America, 1702 East Highland Avenue, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016, www.wish.org/donate.  The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to everyone with Hospice of Central Pennsylvania who so lovingly cared for Mario during his illness.

Mario’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, PA, (717) 766-3421.  Read Mario’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.

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Virtual Gathering via Video Chat

Family and friends are welcome to join Mario's family via video chat or telephone on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

We use Zoom for internet video chat and telephone conference calling.  There is no charge for you to participate.  Simply click on the link below or dial the telephone number below to be connected to the event.

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82967097760? with passcode 3421

Join by telephone:   415-762-9988   or   646-568-7788   and enter meeting number 829 6709 7760 with passcode 3421

By participating in this chat you agree to our “Internet Video Chat & Telephone Chat Policies” which can be found at www.Buhrig.com/Privacy-Policy.

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