A posting on the Facebook group “Mario’s Place Was/Is The Best Place to Work and Eat!!!” announced his death, while on a trip to Mississippi with his wife. His body has been cremated. No further details were available.
While nearly every other Westport restaurant has come and gone — many times over — Mario’s was a model of consistency. The menu seldom changed; the drinks and decor were always the same — and that comfortable atmosphere made it a Westport landmark. For 40 years Mario’s has been the go-to place for Westport commuters, families, and folks celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and promotions (or commiserating over job losses and divorces).
Mario is gone. But his name will live on — above the door, and in our town’s memory — for decades to come.