In a note simply titled, “We have lost Mario,” the Alfano family has informed us that our dear friend and neighbor, Mario Alfano, passed away overnight after a long battle with cancer.
Mario Alfano was an active member of the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) and was often seen working to help the community in many ways. A Prince Building resident, he was also a frequent contributor to NorthEndWaterfront.com providing important updates from the HazMat TaskForce to eliminate dangerous trucks from our neighborhood streets.
As a friend, I will truly miss the spirit that Mario brought to the neighborhood. Just a few weeks ago and knowing his health was failing, he was still asking me how he could help with various community issues. Our sincere condolences to the Alfano family.
Obituary:
ALFANO, Mario F. Of the North End Boston and Canton MA. He passed away peacefully at home in his sleep at age 52 on April 18 after a valiant 5 year battle with pancreatic cancer, metastized to brain cancer. Loving son of Domenic and June DiTroia Alfano of Canton, he was born in Winthrop. Beloved brother of Paul and Kathy Alfano of Canton, and Carla and Jack C. of Oregon. Treasured uncle of Will Alfano of Canton and Joanna and Jackie of Oregon. Will be deeply missed by many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins and a large circle of faithful friends from all corners of the world who were loving and supportive. Graduate of St. Johns Canton, Xaverian Bros. High School, Cornell University BA 1980 (Phi Beta Kappa), Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies MA 1982 (Bologna Italy and Washington DC), and Cornell Graduate School of Management MBA 1984. Senior Vice President of impreMedia of LA and Toronto, CanWest MediaWorks, Intel, and Divisional Vice President of Polaroid (Cambridge, Paris, Madrid, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Milan offices). Also Marketing Manager for Colgate-Palmolive and Campbell Soup. Mario was a North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council Member who fought passionately against Hazardous Cargo Trucks driving thru the North End neighborhood. Member of the Pirandello Lyceum and the Dante Alighieri Italian Cultural societies. Mario was fluent in 5 languages and travelled globally but his heart lay in Italy.
Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. CANTON on Wednesday 2-4 & 7-9pm.
Funeral Mass at St. Leonard’s Church, corner of Hanover and Prince St, North End of Boston, Thursday at 10 am. Internment at Canton Corner Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Mario’s memory to “MGH Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund for Dr. David Ryan,” Attn: Eugene Mahr, MGH Office of Development, 165 Cambridge Street – Suite 600 Boston, MA 02114. Dockrayandthomasfuneralhome.com 781 828-0811
You fought long and hard. Now it is time to RIP Mario.
Mario's wake is 2-4 and 7-9 on Wednesday 4/20 at Dockray and Thomas, Canton Ma. Thank you all for your love and support…. We will never forget our Amazing Mario.
Mario, you were such a comrade at B-school; a dear and loyal friend after; a fellow Bostonian and kindred spirit. I am SO glad we got to spend some time together in the past two years during my mom's illness! You introduced me to Thai food you world traveler you. My only regret is that I am only learning of your death today. You are such an inspiration in so many ways. I will treasure all my memories of you and I look forward to meeting with your family when next I'm in Boston. Now rest. Ciao!