Mario Ferraioli, 92, of Manalapan, died on Wednesday, July 29 at Centra State Medical Center, Freehold.

He was born in Brooklyn to the late Theresa and Alfonso Ferraioli in 1927. Mario joined the Army after high school and very proudly served his country during WWII. After his honorable discharge, he began his career at Coca Cola driving a truck and delivering wooden boxes of glass bottles. Mario later worked for the New York City Department of Sanitation for over 20 years, before retiring as a foreman.

During his sunset years, Mario loved working on his garden, growing tomatoes, eggplants, and raising fig trees. When he wasn’t working outside, he enjoyed visiting the casinos in Atlantic City to play his favorite game, roulette. Mario, or “Pop” as he was called by his grandchildren, was always the life of the party. He never needed an excuse to burst out in song, or to grab the nearest person and start dancing with them. He loved life and he loved his family, and most importantly, he showed everyone around him that same love. He’ll always be remembered for his humor and perpetually positive mindset. He did not know the word “mantra” existed and would likely argue about it if his wife attempted to use it in Scrabble, but he had a great one and he lived his life by it: Sing, Laugh, Dance, and Be Happy. He was always happiest when he was his family and celebrating occasions all together

He is predeceased by his 6 brothers and sisters.

Surviving Mario is his wife, best friend, and better half of 61 years, Josephine Ferraioli, three children Alphonso and his wife Rosemarie of Marlboro, Teresa and her husband James Avin of Bridgewater, and Christine and her husband Joseph Smurro of Manalapan, his sister Anna Gervasi, seven grandchildren Mario, Joseph, Nicholas, Michael, Anthony, Gianna, and Sabrina, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Holmdel Funeral Home on Monday, August 3 from 2-4 pm & 7-9 pm, a funeral home wake service at 8:30 pm. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 4 at 10 am St. Gabriel’s Cemetery and Mausoleum followed by entombment. In lieu of traditional remembrances please contribute to Alzheimer’s Association,  www.alz.org. To share a favorite memory or send messages of condolences please visit Mario’s page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.

In accordance with Covid-19 restrictions, there will be a maximum of 100 people allowed in the funeral home, masks and social distancing are required.