Mario Mannetti

Ledyard — Mario Mannetti, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, at Pendleton Health & Rehabilitation Center in Mystic.

Born in Italy, he was the son of the late Felice and Amelia Mannetti. Mario moved to Port Chester, N.Y. at the age of two. He graduated from Port Chester High School in 1946 and enlisted in the U.S. Army with six of his friends shortly after graduation. He served as a military policeman in occupied Japan and Guam following the end of World War II. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Mario returned to New York and soon met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Abbondanza. Mario worked many years for Safeway and First National as a produce manager. They moved to Ledyard in 1969 and stayed until early 2018. Mario was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching football games on Sundays while having a family gathering. He was especially good with children and always could make them laugh. He enjoyed being outside and talking with his neighbors. He spent many summers on Fishers Island, N.Y., laughing with family and friends at the beach. He also loved playing cards, board games and traveling. He will be dearly missed.

Mario was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Dorothy Mannetti, on Feb. 28, 2018; he is survived by their four children, Diane Steverman, Philip Mannetti, James Mannetti and Laura Chapman (Michael); eight grandchildren, Emily Scharsu (Alan), Amanda Selvidio (Mitchell), Samuel, Joseph, Maxwell and Amelia Mannetti and Christopher and Spencer Chapman; and three great-grandchildren, Abigail and Benjamin Scharsu and Rider Robles.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mario was predeceased by his three sisters, Lena Mannetti, Connie Cipriano and Gabriela Salerno; three brothers, Frank, Armand and Dino Mannetti; daughter-in-law, Laura (Tesoriero) Mannetti; and son-inlaw, Brian Steverman.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to longtime caregiver Joann McCoy and the staff at Pendleton.

There will be calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 29, 2018, at Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Mystic. A Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 30, 2018, at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 32 East Main St., Mystic. There will be a private burial on Fishers Island at a later date.

Donations in his name may be made to Disabled American Veterans (dav.org).

To leave an online condolence, please go to www. dinotofuneral.com.