Mario Lombardi
November 21, 1931 - June 22, 2022
Grew up in the North Beach area of San Francisco where he was very proud of his Italian heritage. He attended Galileo High School, and enjoyed his time as Student Body President, Senior Class President, Vice President of the Block “G” Society, and King of the Spring Festival. His greatest joy was playing basketball.
Mario was very proud of making the 30’s and Varsity All City Basketball Teams, especially being a member of the 1950 Championship Team, and being selected for the California High School All Stars, which toured Canada. Upon graduation, he enrolled at San Francisco City College, where he continued playing basketball. The team took Championship and Mario was voted Team MVP and selected for the All-Conference Team.
From S.F. City College, Mario joined the U.S. Marine Corp. He was sent to Korea where he was severely wounded in combat, received the Purple Heart, and spent the next two years in naval hospitals. After being surveyed out of the Marines, he continued his education at San Francisco State University where he met his wife, Barbara Strand.
After receiving his B.A. Degree and Teaching Credential, Mario was an elementary school teacher in Daly City. While teaching, he attended the University of San Francisco and received his Master’s Degree in Counseling. In 1969 Mario joined the newly opened Skyline College in San Bruno as a Counselor. Around this time, Mario and Barbara moved to Millbrae, where they became longtime residents.
At Skyline, Mario held such positions as Financial Aid Officer, Professor of Counseling, Supervisor of Counseling and Acting Dean of Counseling. He enjoyed his job and loved working with students. After 37 years, Mario retired from Education.
Mario received many special honor awards: S.F. City College Sports Hall of Fame for Individual Basketball Accomplishments, Skyline College Sports Hall of Fame for Athletic Counselor Acknowledgement, North Beach-Marina Hall of Fame for Basketball Athletic Excellence, and the Galileo High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Mario always enjoyed being and working with people. He was happiest with his wife Barbara by his side, a glass of wine in his hand, and sitting on the deck of a cruise ship surrounded by family and friends. Mario once said, “The best thing about life is living it” and live it he did!
Mario was predeceased by his brothers, Rocky, John, and Vince. He leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara of 66 years, his sister Carmela and her husband Oddie, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. At his request, no services will be held. Mario would rather have you raise a glass at your next gathering with family and friends! Semper Fi!