FISHKILL – Mario J. Prete, a resident of Fishkill since 1976 and formerly of the Bronx, died on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Fishkill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. He was 94.
Son of the late Charles M. and Christine (Ferricane) Prete, he was born in New York City on July 18, 1923. In 1942, he joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged from service in 1945.
While a New York City resident, Mario worked at the Oyster Bar in Manhattan and was also the manager of Crossways Restaurant in Queens. After moving to Fishkill, he spent many years as the Owner and Operator of A-1 Deli in Glenham. He also worked as a realtor for Key Associates Realty, Inc. in Fishkill.
He was a parishioner of St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Fishkill and member of the Lions Club. Mario enjoyed many hobbies such as gardening, stamp collecting, and coin collecting.
On October 15, 1943, he married Josephine Brunetti in the Bronx. He was predeceased by his wife on October 28, 1988.
Survivors include his companion of many years, Helen Kyritsis; his son, Robert J. Prete of Bradenton, FL; his son, Ronald Prete & his wife Barbara of Bradenton, FL; his grandchildren, David Prete of Chichester, NH, Deirdre Prete of Manchester, NH, Michael Prete & his wife Sara of Bradenton, FL, Matthew Prete & his wife Christen of Poughkeepsie, and Brian Prete & his wife Tanya of Bradenton, FL; his great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Zachary, Mackenzie, Isaiah, Alessandra, Kahlan, and Michaela; and many other relatives & friends.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 15 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill. Interment will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; www.stjude.org
For directions and online tributes, you can visit Mario's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.