Mario DiFranco

Mario DiFranco, 86, of Enfield, beloved husband and father, died peacefully at home on Monday, March 28, 2016. Mario leaves his daughter, Sue DiFranco, his brother Carmine and sister-in-law Kathy DiFranco, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Marjorie (Griffin), daughter Diane “Dee” DiFranco, his parents Ernesto and Cleonice (Petrarca) DiFranco, and siblings Candido “Connie”, Ernie, Peter, and Anna LePore. Mario was born on May 20, 1929, in West Warwick, R.I., and moved to Thompsonville in 1940 where he remained. He went to Enfield H.S. before becoming an usher at the Strand Theatre and working at Bigelow-Sanford Carpet Company. He then joined the U.S. Army in September 1948 and served his country proudly for six years. He was stationed in Germany, became an instructor of demolitions, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant of the 74th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. Upon returning home, Mario simultaneously worked full time at Pratt & Whitney while earning his Master’s degree at American International College. After graduating, he began a 29-year career teaching Business Math and Typing at Somers H.S. He also had a 40-year career as a local income tax preparer. The greatest joy of Mario’s life was his 60-year marriage to Marge. While he was stationed in the army, they fell in love after becoming pen pals and sharing a mutual love of classical music. After his discharge, they met in person and were married four months later. Over the years they traveled all over Europe and America, including several visits to Walt Disney World. Mario especially loved bringing Marge to the many sites he had visited while in the service. Mario was extremely passionate about entering sweepstakes, winning over 2,000 prizes, including the Connecticut Lottery TV show “Double Play.” Mario was also an avid bicyclist, riding all across Connecticut well into his older years. His love of the outdoors also included frequent walks and fishing the Connecticut River. Mario’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, March 31, 2016, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Browne Memorial Chapels, 43 Shaker Road, Enfield. Funeral Services for Mario will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016 by 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home for a procession to St. Patrick Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. followed by burial with military honors in St. Patrick King Street Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.