Mario J. Rapanaro, on February 21, 2022, of Blackwood; formerly of Glendora. Age 80.
Beloved husband of Kathleen (nee Welser). Devoted step-father of Chris Keller. Loving grandfather of Alyssa Keller, Chris Keller Jr., and Joseph Keller and great grandfather of Elena Borquin. Dear brother of Angelo Rapanaro, Phyllis Dubeck (Matthew), Dolores Rapanaro, and Steve Rapanaro (Maryann). Also survived by many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.
Mario was the perfect joke teller and enjoyed making people laugh. He had brown puppy dog eyes, and a smile that would melt your heart, always greeting you with a kind word. He acted in community theatre, played bass guitar and sang lead vocals in a band, and enjoyed bird watching. He loved watching his evening game shows, especially family feud. He loved to eat, especially his favorite chocolate pudding and mini drum ice cream. Mario was a gentle man most of all, loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
There will be a viewing from 9:15am to 11:15am Saturday, March 5, 2022 at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.
Funeral Mass 12 noon at Holy Child Parish, St. Teresa RC Church, Runnemede.
Interment is private at the request of the family.
Services
Viewing
Runnemede, NJ 08078
Funeral Mass
Runnemede, NJ 08078
Our hearts are dewply saddened with the news of Cousin Mario's passing, we will fondly remember our visits to Philadelphia and the wonderful time we enjoyed together. Riposa in Pace Caro Cugino Mario. With our sincerest condolences to you Kathleen and all the family. Love from the Canadian Cousins Rosa Rapanaro and Paul Wright
It was an honor to be able to call Mario my friend. He was a gentle man with a beautiful smile and always had a kind word to share. I will always remember the first time he sang the Ave Maria in church, it was absolutely breath taking! You will be missed my friend, rest in peace. Love Jeanne
Mario and I we’re friends from kindergarten at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Iwas the one who always got us both in trouble, I also started his musical career and he played in our band The Viscounts for several years.
RIP. Pal. I will miss you birthday calls to me every year.
Love You
Sal. Colangelo
Philomena DuBeck
My dear brother Mario, I am sure going to miss you sitting next to me at my house. A couple of times when you walked in, I thought you were Pop! I wanted you, Dolores, and Angelo at my house every six weeks or so, so we could talk, eat, and have fun. I am happy I decided to do this a few years ago. The reason I wanted you guys here is because who knew how long we were going to be together! I wanted to be with you all as long as I could! Look what happened, Dolores moved to Florida, then my Phyllis, I love her, said she could do it. I was so proud of her for taking over. She has gone overboard for doing stuff for me to see you two because Babe and I are not in any shape to drive. I am so thankful for her. And Mario, she had fun picking you guys up, you made her laugh a lot. Now I have 1 brother left here, Angelo, and we will continue our visits. I miss you my brother Mario, I love you so much. Sing and tell jokes up there. They are probably happy that you joined them. Tell everyone I love them. Give them all a hug from me and an extra one for Mom. I miss and love you all! An extra big hug for you my brother, I miss you dearly. Your sister Phil.
With a big smile he’d pinch your cheeks along with a kiss and a hug that was the normal hello from uncle Mario. Hello Denise how is denephew. 😂I heard that for over 50 years. Yes with your beautiful voice you sang at my wedding 50 years ago. I’m so glad my mom your sister Philomena which you call Phil had you, uncle Angelo, and Ciocci Dolores over her house for many years to mangia and boy did they eat. They all made sure they didn’t forget their care packages my mom made up for them and “Phil don’t forget to give us dessert, too”. After Ciocci Dolores moved my mom would call or text us, her children to let us know she was having the boys over. “The boys” her little brothers 80 and 91 years of age.
I think in your sister Phil’s mind she wanted this in case something like this happened where one of you would join our other family members who have passed on. These were cherished moments for my mom. Also, when Phil had her siblings over to keep them all in touch and together mom with the help of my sister Phyllis would also FaceTime their brother Steve who lives in Florida to make sure they talked and saw each other. With much love you will be missed by everyone. Mom/Phil says she’ll miss her little brother sitting next to her for their little party but those moments and private parties will never ever be forgotten. Rest In Peace Uncle Mario God has freed you from you pain. We love you, we will miss you but especially your many jokes.
Uncle Mario, we hope you are enjoying a plate of homemade raviolis with your mother, Nancy, pop, Frank, and sisters, Anna Rose and Frances. They are glad to hear your jokes again and your laughter, which we will all miss. Love, Eileen
Such a sweet, funny man and I loved singing with him. He had one beautiful voice. Sleep soundly in peace my friend. Thank you Kathleen for bringing him to work so everyone could enjoy his beautiful voice.
A man of distinction, a lovely man - will be missed
Blessed to have him as my families neighbor and participated in my Mom’s funeral mass. 🙏🏻💕Kind, caring, always a sense of humor. Blessed to have known him. Peace be with him.
God blesd Mario
He was Cornerstone at Pepsi truck
At St Teresa carnival
God bless you Mario
The Mansfields San Diego !!!!
I am blessed to have known Mario for over 17 yrs.He was so full of life telling stories and jokes and keeping everyone laughing. He has a heart of Gold and will truly be missed by all. He has earned his wings and is now able to Rest in Peace. You will Always be Loved and will Never be Forgotten.. Love Mary Paul
I’m not sure exactly how old I was but if I had to guess I’d say 5 or 6 yrs old. The circumstances though, I’ll never forget…It was the mid 1960’s. I was playing in the sandbox outside while waiting for Uncle Mario to come visit my Mom and Dad. When he arrived, he came outside to say hello and for some reason, I jumped up and said, “Hi Uncle Macaroni”! (Maybe I had macaroni on the brain because Mom was making gravy?) He answered with,” Hello Penelope”…. It stuck! He was forever Uncle Macaroni or Uncle Mac and I was Penelope! As others have stated, every greeting from Uncle Mac was followed with a perfectly told joke! So perfectly told that I knew I’d never be able to tell with his delivery. I don’t doubt that as you were greeted by your loved ones that have passed before you, you most certainly told them the one that you saved as your best! Until we meet again Uncle Mac… I love and miss you… Penelope
My fondest memories of Mario, as Kathleen so eloquently put it, he was an amazing singer & joke teller. I know Mario is in a better place now and the headliner of his own night club act. Singing his heart out and keeping them rolling in the aisles laughing. My all time favorite was when I first met Mario. He was so excited to show me a picture of his "Pride" and "Joy". If you knew Mario, you know exactly what I mean.
Mario we love you, and are going to miss that smile. Till we meet again my friend.
Mario was the best brother in law that any one can ask for, quick with a joke that was sure to make you smile, we love you and will miss you very much