Mario Alexander Fazzone

Mario Alexander Fazzone passed peacefully on January 5, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital in downtown Greenville, SC. He was born in Schenectady, NY on October 27, 1932. He lived a full, adventurous life and was 90 years old when he graduated to his eternal life with the Lord.

His parents Patrizia and Nicola Fazzone were blessed with five children, of whom Mario was born second to the youngest. He is pre-deceased by his siblings, Alesandro, Pasquale “Patsy” (Minnie), Dominick (Rose), and Edward Fazzone, Sr. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Ilene Fazzone and many nieces, nephews, and relatives of Fazzone heritage.

After graduating from the College of Saint Rose in Hudson Valley and working at GE for a short time in New York, Mario enlisted in the United States Navy. His active duty spanned from 1951 to 1955. He was awarded a medal for his service during the Korean War. His years spent in the USN provided an opportunity for Mario to proudly serve his country and travel the world. He frequently told stories of his many adventures in the USN and the valuable lessons he learned and carried with him throughout his life.

Mario followed in his father’s footsteps in working for the General Electric (GE) company. He worked in Schenectady, NY for many years and later transferred to Greenville, SC with his family. Mario was a hard-working and dedicated employee who served as a manager in the drafting department until he retired. After retirement, he was happy to spend more time with his family. Mario loved to cook and delighted in feeding everyone that came to his home.

He was a caring and loving husband for 47 years to his beloved wife, Gloria Jean Fazzone. Together they raised four wonderful children, Michael Fazzone of Upstate New York and John Huston, Robert (Katrina) Huston, and Sarah (Wes) Williams, all of Upstate South Carolina. He would do anything for his family and worked hard to provide the best opportunities for all of his children. His children are forever grateful for his devotion, guidance, wisdom, and protection throughout their lives. Mario was a wonderful dad and will be missed dearly. Mario was a proud Grandpa and leaves behind 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Rachel (Derrick) Dunn and Andrew Fazzone; Taryn, Coty, Mia, Zoe, Ava, and Ivy Huston; Taylor and Haley Huston; John “Niko” Nikola Williams; Caleb and Alexandra Dunn. Mario loved Gloria’s family as his own and is survived by three sisters-in-law and their families: Carolyn Hammond and her late husband Vince, Karen Neander (Glenn), and Kathy Shang.

Mario and Gloria were members of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Taylors, SC for many years and were blessed on October 10, 2010 to affirm their wedding vows during a beautiful convalidation ceremony in the church. Mario often told the story of how he prayed to ask God to help him find companionship and on that same day, he met Gloria. Together, they taught their children about their Catholic faith and to always trust in God’s plan. Mario was a kind and generous man and always busy caring for others. He will always be remembered for having an open heart and home where he welcomed family, friends, and loved ones. Mario made sure that everyone around him was safe and fed. He was a friend to all.

Mario led a life full of adventures, family, and love. Mario was faithful until his final breath and revered the mystery of Christ’s triumph over death through his resurrection. His funeral is an acknowledgment and celebration of his completion of a full life on earth and the beginning of his glorious eternal life.

Although there will be no public viewing or visitation, Mario’s family will gather privately on Thursday afternoon at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, January 13, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Taylors, SC for Mario’s family and friends. Following the Mass, a funeral procession will carry Mr. Fazzone’s casket to Graceland East Memorial Park in Simpsonville for committal prayers, military honors, and entombment.

His family is sincerely grateful to Angie Wham for her friendship and kindness, relatives and friends who have offered prayers and support during this sad time, and the members of both the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard and American Legion Post #124 for their dedication to honoring our Veterans.

Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages and any cherished memories on this site. Flowers may be sent to Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel on Thursday by 12:00 p.m. or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made through EFT to the Prince of Peace St. Vincent DePaul Society: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/2404605, in honor of Mario’s desire to feed everyone.

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