Mario Joseph Girotti

GIROTTI, MARIO JOSEPH - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mario on Sunday, February 8, 2026 in St. Catharines at the age of 97. Born October 18, 1928 in Merritton, Mario lived a life of devotion, service, generosity and kindness. Growing up in a modest household with five brothers and one sister, he began his lifelong love of baseball, playing after school with his brothers. At 22, he joined the Royal Canadian Airforce as an aircraft mechanic. Stationed in Greenwood, Nova Scotia he met his wife of 65 years, Theresa; also a member of the RCAF. On their first date at the ‘Wet Canteen’ he told Theresa to ‘bring her wallet’ intending for her to pay as a joke. Known for his sense of humor and mighty personality Mario earned the nickname “Rock” from his fellow servicemen. During his service, Mario was also stationed in England and Cold Lake, Alberta where he helped with a Search and Rescue mission for a crashed pilot. He also travelled to Caribbean Islands starting the first of many small businesses: smuggling rum back north to his fellow service members. Mario was honourably discharged in 1955 and frequently referred to his service as the best part of his life, a time where he met many of his lifelong friends. Moving back to Merritton, he married Theresa and raised three sons, Kenneth, Dominic and Christopher in a small house in the backyard of his parents’ home. He joined his brothers in the family businesses Girotti Sculptured Art and Hy-Grade Precast Concrete, where he worked until he retired.

During summers, he grew large vegetable gardens canning bushels of tomatoes in the fall. He spent Friday afternoons with his brothers and sister at the “Girotti Board of Director’s Meeting” where they enjoyed games of Euchre, caught up on life events, told the same old jokes, and shared their homemade wine. He had a knack for befriending anyone he met with his great sense of humour and razor-sharp wit.

Known for his generosity, Mario was a dedicated member of the Merritton Lions Club for 63 years, raising money for local community improvements. He also volunteered for 10 years with Meals on Wheels, bringing food to the elderly and disabled. Outside of his volunteer work, Mario financially donated to numerous charities for decades.

Mario was a pillar in the lives of many people and will be greatly missed. Predeceased by his wife Theresa (née Murphy) and brothers Silivio (Pina), Nello (Lavrina), Marino (Anne), Dino (Ida) and Guerino “Scotty” (Anna) as well as his sister Mary (Olivio).

He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Anna and Norma as well as his three sons Kenneth (Wendy), Dominic (Donnell), Christopher (Jodi) and his seven grandchildren Erika, Noah, Alyssa (Joshua), Miranda, Tessa, and Emerson.

At Mario’s request there will be a private service for his family at a future date. Those wishing to make a donation in his name can do so to Diabetes Canada at www.Bocchinfusofh.com