Mario Ragazzone
Age - 78
November 28, 2023
Mario M. Ragazzone passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023, at the age of 78, at Vitas Hospice in Nazareth Hospital with his loving and devoted wife by his side. Beloved husband of 55 years to Joanne F. (nee Flora). Devoted father of Francis J. and Mario M. Jr. (Peggy). Loving and cherished Pop to John Paul, Niko, and Nola. He is the dear brother of Vera Matlack, Dominic Ragazzone (Eileen), Salvatore "Sammy" Ragazzone (Irene), Luigi "Louie" Ragazzone (Patricia), brother-in-law of Kim Flora, and "Uncle Mar" to his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was the proud Fur Pop to Sandy. He is predeceased by his parents Francesco and Maria Ragazzone, sister Arsilia "Pasqualina" and her husband Francesco "Frenchie" Muto, his brother Vincenzo and his wife Irene Ragazzone, his step-brother Bernard "Benny" Scarcia and his wife Victoria, and his brothers-in-law Howard Matlack and Raymond A. Flora, Jr. Born in Roggiano Gravina, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy on July 1, 1945, Mario was the sixth child of Francesco and Maria Ragazzone. He emigrated to the United States at the age of 6 with his father and younger brother, Louie. They were the last of his family to call America home as they reconnected with his mother and siblings in the Tacony section of Northeast Philadelphia. Growing up in a strict Italian household and neighborhood shaped a young Mario into the man he would eventually become. Challenged with learning a new language in a new country, school was difficult for him but both of his sons will attest that he was one of the smartest men they have ever met. If a PhD was given for people smarts or street smarts, Mario would have acquired dual degrees. He possessed a work ethic which he passed onto his boys. He said, "I don't care what you choose to do in your life but when you do, do it to the very best of your ability. Take pride in your work because your name will be on it. "In his early years, he enjoyed playing sports and found a love for playing basketball. He also excelled in cards, darts, pool, and horseshoes. Mario's son, Mario, proclaimed him as "The King of Leisure Sports. " It was at this time he discovered his greatest passion--card playing. Whether it was blackjack, poker, solitaire, rummy, or pinochle, he was always around cards. He worked hard and after being married only a short time, he held two full time jobs to allow his wife to stay at home with their newborn son, Frank. He was the ultimate provider. Shortly after Frank's birth, he began working at St. Dominic Cemetery on a full time basis. This led to a career spanning over 37 years with him being the Cemetery Superintendent for 30 of those years. It was at this time that he made friendships with many funeral directors which he has maintained to this day. He was respected by funeral directors for how he maintained the cemetery, and by the families for how he cared for their loved ones. Although a work accident forced him to retire early, he would often stop by and visit "the guys" and offer advice or information when needed. It was then that Mario was able to enjoy his summer home outside of Sea Isle City, NJ. He, along with Joanne, loved their time with their "Campground Family". He would play cards, help neighbors with projects, or just "relax" on his deck. The relaxing usually consisted of drinks and snacks. You would see him holding court often with a Crown Royal or cold Miller Lite in his hand barking, "Joanne! Joanne! cut up some more pepperoni, sopressata and cheese. " This often led to Mario and Joanne hosting dinner. If you were one of the countless people lucky enough to sit at their table, you knew that it was more than a dinner, it was an experience. In recent years he enjoyed spending time with Mario and Peg at their home in Sea Isle City. He quickly and rather easily became friends with their friends. He enjoyed the conversation and sometimes banter which would inevitably start with his trademarks-- "Let me tell you something" or "I got news for you. "His greatest pleasure was spending time with his three grandchildren. He enjoyed and willingly attended their sporting events, shows, and recitals. For a man with a rough and tough exterior, he was putty in their hands. He literally lit up with the proudest smile every time he talked about them or heard of their recent accomplishments. The Ragazzone family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff members of Jefferson Torresdale Hospital and Vitas Hospice for providing dedicated and committed care to Mario. Additionally, they would like to express their appreciation to friends and colleagues in the funeral industry for their support and professional courtesies. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mario's Visitation on Saturday, December 2, 2023, 9:30 - 10:50 a. m. in St. Anselm Church, 12670 Dunks Ferry Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a. m. Interment will be held privately. THE FAMILY REQUESTS NO FLOWERS, but please consider donating in Mario's name to the Recovery Chair. The Recovery Chair is a non-profit organization committed to comforting women who have had surgery as a result of breast cancer. Mario's daughter-in-law, Peggy, is a breast cancer survivor. https://therecoverychair. org/donate. htmlPlease honor Mario's wishes and continue to celebrate his life with family and friends at Maggie's Waterfront Cafe at 9242 North Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114 immediately following his Mass of Christian Burial.Show more
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