Salvatore R. Mario, 81, a resident of the Masonic Care Community, and formerly of Whitesboro, passed away Sunday, October 16, 2011 at the home. Sal was born in Utica on July 7, 1930, the son of Antonio and Maria (Insardi) Mario. He was raised and educated in Utica, graduating from Proctor High School. He served his country with the US Navy. On March 20, 1952, Sal married Caroline Joan Roth in St. Agnes Church, Utica. Mrs. Mario passed away in 1995. Sal was employed with General Electric for over 37 years until his retirement in 1987. He belonged to Our Lady of the Rosary Church, New Hartford, a member of the New Hartford American Legion Post # 8616, and a member of the Whitesboro Seniors. Sal had many interests and hobbies, including being an avid NY Giants fan. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards, painting, photography and cooking-he made the best meatballs. Sal had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes. Sal is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Jim Hayes, Deansboro, Carol and Frank Parker, Marcy, Peggy and Scott Fall, Whitesboro, Sally and Richard Panasen, AZ; nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter, Daniel Hayes (and fiancée, Jennie Vivyan), Joseph Hayes (and fiancée, Danna Cooper), Jennifer Hayes, Katherine Parker, Laura Parker, Alicia Fall and her daughter, Hailey Joan Fall, Zackary Fall, Jeffrey Panasen and Michael Panasen. He is also survived by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Valerie Mario, Rome, Mario and Barbara Mario, Waterville; a sister and two brothers-in-law, Sonya and Saverio Vallese, Utica and Eugene Roth, Whitesboro. He is predeceased by a sister, Mary Schiavone and two brothers, Robert and Maurice Mario. Mr. Mario's funeral will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 9:30 am at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, New Hartford where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Utica. Relatives and friends may call at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica, Tuesday evening, from 5 - 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to Central New York Parkinson's Support Group, Inc., 705 Ronald Street, Herkimer, NY 13350 in Sal's memory. The family extends their thanks and heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Olteanu and Dr. Brehaut for the care and kindness shown to Sal. Also to the nurses and staff of the Clare Bridge Residential Living Facility and the Masonic Care Community, especially in the Placid Neighborhood for the care and compassion shown to Sal during his stay.