Mario's parents were Italian immigrants from Vieste, Italy. He grew up in New York, and served in the United States Army Air Corp until his Honorabe discharge in 1944. Mario moved to California and followed his career as an illustrator, artist, art teacher, singer, pilot, flight instructor, sailor, and swimmer/diver. He began his acting career at the age of 79. He portrayed Mr. Johnson in the inde film "The Commission" in 2003/2004. Mario moved to Las Vegas in 2005 where he acted in several indi films such as "I.M. Carivaggio." He enjoyed singing, and had a voice much like that of Dean Martin. He passed away on February 14, 2012 from congestive heart failure. He is buried in the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.