Mario Ferrarese

COLONIE – Mario Ferrarese, 73, passed away at home on Saturday, February 08, 2014 after a courageous, 12 year battle with cancer. Born in Pontinia, Italy he was the son of Clara Centra of Latina, Italy and the late Baldi Ferrarese.

Mario was a mason with Local #2 Bricklayers Union. He worked for Beltrone Construction and co-owner of Valmar Construction, and later ran Mario Masonry. Mario was greatly involved with the Italian American Community Center and the Italian Heritage Society. He enjoyed playing cards and bocce with other members, and going out to celebrate with the Birthday Boys Club. Every year, Mario looked forward to the Union Clam Bake and Christmas party. He took great pride in coordinating the yearly fundraiser for St. Anthony's Orphanage. Mario loved cooking, fishing and taking his wife to the casino, as well as spending time with his seven grandchildren.

Along with his mother, Mario will be missed by his wife of 55 years, Clara (DiCioccio) Ferrarese; children Rina (Joseph) D'Aurizio of Rotterdam and Dino (Mary Anne) Ferrarese of Latham; siblings Rino (Jennie) Ferrarese of Shelton, CT, and Gina (Joseph) Fioravanti of Latina, Italy; grandchildren Joseph, Andrew and Marisa D'Aurizio, and Gabriella, Analisa, Milaena and Dino Ferrarese, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 am at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at the church. Entombment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony's Orphanage, Figlie della carita, Istituto San Vincenzo, Via Noce, 26, Palermo, Sicilia 90135 in Mario's name.