GIROTTI MARIO JOSEPH- Is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mario Joseph Girotti on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in St. Catharines, Ontario at the age of 97. Born October 18, 1928, in Merritton, Ontario, 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 humour 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 Search and Rescue missions for downed pilots. 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 time of his life, a memorable 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 retirement.

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 proud 65-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was also a devoted member of the Merritton Lions Club for 63 years, where he helped raise funds to support local community improvements. Mario volunteered with Meals on Wheels, delivering hot meals to elderly and disabled individuals, and also gave his time to Family and Child Services Niagara, helping support efforts to reconnect children with their parents. 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 seven grandchildren: Erika, Noah, Alyssa (Joshua), Miranda, Tessa, and Emerson.